Opal Play

Opal Play

 

OPAL Play at Towcester CE Primary School 

What is OPAL Play? 

At Towcester CE Primary School, we believe that play is essential for children's development, wellbeing and happiness. That's why we've embraced OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) – an approach that transforms playtimes into rich, exciting opportunities for all our children. 

Research shows that children spend 20% of their time in school playing. To ensure this time and our fantastic school grounds are used to their full potential, we've adopted the OPAL philosophy. This allows children the freedom to explore play in their own imaginative ways, often using found and gathered resources in the natural outdoor environment. 

An OPAL approach promotes a more inclusive play environment in which all children can feel comfortable to express themselves. Our OPAL journey began in September 2025 when we started to build up our resources and expertise to transform our outdoor environment. 

Our children love the new outdoor opportunities that OPAL offers – there's so much more for them to do, no matter the weather! From dressing up and dancing to music, to enjoying imaginative play in the small world area or wheeling a doll in a pushchair whilst playing 'Mums and Dads', OPAL offers an exciting alternative to standard playground activities. 

 

Why Are We Following the OPAL Programme? 

Play is a Human Right 

Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 31, play is a human right. We take this seriously at Towcester CE Primary – every child deserves access to high-quality play experiences that support their development and wellbeing. 

 

Proven Benefits 

The OPAL Primary Programme is the only programme of its kind that has been independently proven to sustainably improve the quality of play in British primary schools. Research shows that play contributes to children's:

• Physical and emotional health
• Wellbeing and happiness
• Approach to learning
• Enjoyment of school

Given the importance of play in children's lives and current concerns about children's health and opportunity to access outdoor play, there are considerable benefits for children, parents, school and the wider community from participating in OPAL's programme.

 

The Benefits We're Seeing 

Through this approach to play, children are not only more active at lunch and break times, but they're also developing crucial life skills:

• Cooperation and teamwork – working together to build dens or create games
• Problem-solving – figuring out how to construct, balance and create
• Creativity and imagination – becoming motivated and enthusiastic builders, engineers, explorers and designers
• Resilience and confidence – learning to take appropriate risks and overcome challenges
• Physical development – improving gross and fine motor skills through active play

We're just at the start of our journey, but we already know the positive impact this has on our children, and we work alongside them to make this a rich outdoor play and learning environment for all.

 

How Does OPAL Work at Towcester CE Primary School? 

Freedom to Play 

All children in the school (from Reception to Year 6) have the freedom to play where they choose within the school grounds (outside). A variety of zones, stations, equipment, activities and areas are available to the children, and these vary each day depending on what the children choose to do. 

Equipment and Zones 

Our OPAL play areas could include (but are not limited to):

• Mud kitchen
• Small world (e.g. dinosaurs, wild animals, duplo, trains)
• Scooters, bikes and other wheeled transport
• Hoops, balls, skipping ropes
• Sports zone (e.g. football, netball, basketball, tennis)
• Crates, containers and cardboard boxes (for den building or whatever the children choose)
• Performing area (music, drama, dressing up)
• Role play with dolls, pushchairs and accessories
• Cars and trucks
• Lego
• Forest area

 

Safety and Supervision 

Keeping Children Safe 

Safety is our priority. Each part of the playground is supervised by trained Play Leaders, ensuring no child is ever out of sight or sound. We conduct regular risk assessments and all staff are trained in our OPAL approach to keep children safe whilst allowing them the freedom to explore and take appropriate risks in their play. 

Our OPAL approach supports our whole-school commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's wellbeing. All staff understand their responsibility to provide a safe environment in which children can learn and play, and our outdoor play provision is an important part of this. 

Taking Responsibility 

Children are asked to be responsible for the equipment and to tidy it away at the end of each session. This helps them develop a sense of ownership and respect for their play environment. 

The OPAL Play Team 

The OPAL Play Team includes Senior Leaders, staff and parents who regularly review the OPAL project to make sure it continues to be effective, safe and exciting for all children. 

Play Assemblies 

We hold a Play Assembly every fortnight where we:

• Celebrate great play
• Introduce new activities or equipment
• Remind children about any rules or expectations
• Present the 'Golden Welly' award to the child who has shown the school values during OPAL playtimes

Nominations for the Golden Welly award come from the children themselves, making it extra special!

 

What Parents Need to Know 

Clothing 

Children are allowed to roam freely during OPAL play, so please send your child with:

• Wellies – for muddy and wet play
• An old outdoor coat – that can get dirty and muddy
• All items clearly labelled – to help with lost property

Children change into their indoor shoes when coming back to class.

All-Weather Play 

OPAL play happens in all weathers (except extreme conditions), so appropriate clothing is essential. This ensures children can enjoy the full benefits of outdoor play throughout the year. 

More Information 

You can learn all about OPAL and watch several videos about the programme on the OPAL website: www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk 

You can read our OPAL Play Policy found the in Policy Section on the website 

Questions about OPAL? 

If you have any questions about our OPAL approach, please contact the school office or speak to a member of the OPAL Play Team. We're always happy to discuss how OPAL is benefiting your child.