What is OPAL?

Two years ago, we started a programme to improve opportunities for physical activity, socialisation, co-operation, coordination, resilience, creativity, imagination and enjoyment through improved play. 

Who is OPAL?

OPAL is the UK’s leading not-for-profit school improvement organisation focused on supporting the development of high-quality playtimes. We have improved play for over 1.5 million UK primary school children in around 2,000 schools and won numerous awards. We have also worked with schools in North America, Europe, Australasia and Asia.

What will be different about playtimes?

Your child will have many more opportunities to be active, as the whole school grounds will be used throughout the year. They will have many more opportunities for imaginative play as there will be many objects to play with. Your child can mix with children of all ages and choose where and how they play. Staff will receive specialist training to enrich play.

Why is the school spending time and money on play?

Play is how children learn all the things they need to know that cannot be taught in lessons. It is like a safe laboratory of life skills where they can experiment and explore. Play supports all areas of children's learning and development.

Please read more here! FAQ for parents - Outdoor Play and Learning