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"The school is an inclusive and welcoming environment where pupils are well supported to strengthen their learning and well-being" Ofsted 2018
Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)
At Allen Edwards Primary School, we recognise that play is an essential part of every child’s development. High-quality play supports children’s physical and emotional wellbeing while helping them develop creativity, independence, resilience, communication and problem-solving skills.
For many children, playtimes provide an important opportunity to make choices, explore their interests, build friendships and enjoy being active outdoors. Through our OPAL approach, we are committed to making playtimes happy, inclusive and rewarding for every child.
What is OPAL?
OPAL stands for Outdoor Play and Learning. It is an award-winning school improvement programme that supports schools to develop the quality of their play opportunities.
Through OPAL, children are offered a wider range of creative and active play experiences. These may include:
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imaginative and role play
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den building and construction
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loose-parts play
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arts, crafts and performance
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music and dancing
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digging, gardening and exploring nature
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ball games and active play
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quiet spaces for relaxing and socialising
Providing children with choice allows them to discover activities they enjoy and play in ways that reflect their individual interests, strengths and needs.
The Benefits of High-quality Play
Our OPAL approach supports children to:
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develop confidence, independence and resilience
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build positive friendships and strengthen social skills
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communicate, cooperate and solve problems together
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become more physically active
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use their imagination and creativity
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understand and manage appropriate risks
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improve their emotional wellbeing
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return to the classroom settled and ready to learn
As an inclusive school with an Autism Resource Base, we understand that children experience play in different ways. We aim to provide a range of spaces and activities so that every child can participate, feel secure and experience success
Playing Throughout the Year
We want children to enjoy outdoor play in different seasons and weather conditions. Unless conditions are unsafe, children will be encouraged to play outdoors throughout the year. Families should therefore ensure that children bring suitable clothing, including a waterproof coat and appropriate footwear. During warmer weather, children should bring a sun hat and wear sun protection.
Supporting OPAL
Loose parts are everyday items that children can move, combine and use creatively in many different ways. They might become part of a den, a vehicle, a stage, a shop or something entirely new.
We welcome safe, clean donations such as:
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pots, pans and kitchen utensils
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crates, buckets and sturdy containers
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fabric, tarpaulins and old curtains
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dressing-up clothes
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toy vehicles and small-world resources
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tyres and strong lengths of rope
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cable reels, guttering and plastic tubing
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wheeled toys in safe working condition
Please contact the school before bringing larger items onto the site. We cannot accept sharp, broken, electrical or otherwise unsafe materials.
Working Together
Developing excellent play opportunities is a shared journey involving children, staff, families, governors and the wider community. We value children’s ideas and regularly review our provision so that it continues to reflect their needs and interests.
Our OPAL team is happy to answer questions or hear suggestions. Please contact the school office for further information.
