OPAL

The Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)

Supporting school improvement through better play and playtimes - Making lunchtime fun for everyone!

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What is OPAL?

Children in British primary schools spend 20% – or 1.4 years – of their school attendance in play, yet many schools have no strategic or values-based approach to play across all ages.

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The Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme is a mentor-supported school improvement programme. It addresses all of the areas schools must plan for if they want to strategically and sustainably improve the quality of their play opportunities.

Research shows that play contributes to children’s physical and emotional health, wellbeing, approach to learning and enjoyment of school. Given the importance of play in children’s lives and current concerns about children’s health and opportunity to access time and space to initiate their own play outdoors, there are considerable benefits for children, parents, schools, and the wider community from participating in OPAL's programme.

What are the benefits of OPAL?

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More teaching time

Most schools report 10 minutes more teaching time per teacher with happier, more

creative, and well exercised children who settle to classes much more quickly.

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Improved behaviour

OPAL schools report an 80% reduction in the use of behaviour policies and a 90%

reduction in senior leadership time being spent resolving playtime issues.

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Faster core skills development

Children at OPAL schools rapidly develop creativity, imagination, cooperation,

resilience, stamina and confidence.

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Inclusion

OPAL's approach makes play better for every child, every day... no exceptions!

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Happiness and wellbeing

Play is a human need and a human right. Children and staff at OPAL schools report

feeling less stressed, happier, and more excited about school