What is OPaL?

At our school, we are proud to be part of the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme. OPAL is a school improvement programme that helps schools improve the quality of play opportunities for all children. We believe that play is an essential part of a child’s development and that every child deserves access to high-quality play experiences every day.

Children spend around 20% of their school day at playtime, so this time must be enjoyable, active and meaningful. Through the OPAL programme, we are developing our outdoor spaces and playtimes so that children can explore, create, imagine and be physically active.

Why is play important?

Play is vital for children’s learning and wellbeing.

Through play, children develop:

• Physical health and coordination

• Creativity and imagination

• Social skills and friendships

• Confidence and resilience

• Problem-solving and independence

High-quality play opportunities support children’s happiness and help them return to the classroom ready to learn.

What does play look like at Holly Trees?

Through our OPAL programme, we aim to provide a wide range of play opportunities that support the many different ways children play and learn. Research shows that children engage in many different types of play, each helping them develop important physical, social and emotional skills.

At our school, children have opportunities to experience a variety of play types, including:

• Physical and Locomotor Play – running, climbing, balancing, jumping and moving their bodies in active ways.

• Creative Play – using materials such as chalk, paint, fabrics and loose parts to design and make their own creations.

• Exploratory Play – investigating natural materials, sand, water, mud and outdoor spaces.

• Imaginative and Fantasy Play – pretending, storytelling, role play and creating imaginary worlds.

• Construction and Object Play – building with crates, pipes, tyres, blocks and other loose parts.

• Social and Communication Play – working together, negotiating, sharing ideas and developing friendships.

• Socio-dramatic and Dramatic Play – acting out roles, performing, or recreating real-life experiences.

• Rough and Tumble Play – playful chasing, rolling, and energetic interaction that helps children learn boundaries and cooperation.

• Mastery Play – practising and repeating skills such as building, balancing or climbing to develop confidence and competence.

• Deep Play – experiencing challenge and excitement through activities such as climbing, balancing or moving at speed.

Providing these varied play experiences allows children to develop confidence, creativity, resilience and independence while enjoying their time outdoors.

Our Play Charter

OPaL Play Team

Curricular Lead for Play - Miss Wright

Play Coordinator - Mrs Akande

OPaL Leaders

Our Year 5 OPAL Play Leaders help make playtimes positive and enjoyable for everyone. They encourage children to join in games, help others find and use equipment, and support younger pupils during play. They also help look after the playground by organising resources, leading simple activities, and helping to tidy and return equipment at the end of playtime. Through this role, Play Leaders develop responsibility, teamwork and leadership skills while helping create a happy and active playground.