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Play Overview

 Outdoor Play and Learning

We are thrilled to be launching the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Primary Programme this year. OPAL is a nationally recognised, award‑winning approach that transforms playtimes into rich, inclusive, and creative experiences for every child.
 
If you’d like to explore the OPAL vision further, visit the official website: www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk
 
Our OPAL Working Party
 
Our OPAL Working Party is a dedicated team of staff and parents who are passionate about high‑quality play. They work closely with children, teachers, families, and our OPAL mentor to develop and deliver our long‑term play vision.
  • Mrs Turner — Headteacher, Leads on Strategy & Policy
  • Miss O’Shea — Curricular Lead, Strategy
  • Mrs Hargreaves — Play Coordinator, Operational Lead
  • Mrs Byard — Play Team
  • Mrs Tannahill — Play Team
  • Sarah Burton — Parent Champion
  • Amy Masini — OPAL Mentor
Together, they ensure that playtimes continually evolve so that every child benefits from joyful, meaningful, high‑quality play.
 
Our OPAL Journey
 
Started May 2026
 
The beginning of our OPAL journey has been full of energy, creativity, and behind‑the‑scenes transformation. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far:
  • All staff have completed OPAL training, including a full INSET day led by our OPAL mentor, Amy Masini.
  • All staff are now members of OPAL College, giving them access to ongoing professional development.
  • Children have shared their ideas about what they want at playtime.
  • A full OPAL audit and action plan have been completed by the Working Party.
  • Governors have approved our new Play Policy.
  • Three new sheds with wheely carts have been built to store our growing collection of play equipment.
  • The Chatsworth area has been cleared and resurfaced, opening up new possibilities for play.
  • The site has been opened up at lunchtimes, giving children access to many new areas.
  • Initial OPAL letters have been sent to parents, gathering family views on play.
  • A wide range of new play experiences has been introduced, including:
    • digging
    • chilling spaces
    • scooters
    • den building
    • pushchairs and prams
    • loose parts
    • tyres and planks
Coming up  - June/July 2026
 
  • Creating and opening a mud kitchen
  • Creating and updating  a 'Play' display in the hall
  • Continue to gather resources
  • Hold Play assemblies to collect pupil voice and maintain safe play
  • Develop small world play
  • Invite Governors to play one lunch time
  • Provide children with Ipads to video and celebrate play
Our Play Team
 
Mrs Hargreaves, Mrs Byard, Mrs Tannahill and Mrs Turner are outside every lunch time come run or shine.