We are delighted to have launched the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme here at St Nicolas CE Primary Academy, and we are already seeing the positive impact it’s having on our children’s playtimes. Over the coming year, we will be continuing to introduce a range of new resources to support varied, imaginative and active play for all our pupils.

Research shows that high-quality play supports physical health, social skills, cooperation, creativity, resilience and overall enjoyment. Our goal is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to enjoy at least one hour of meaningful, high-quality play each day.

OPAL is built on the belief that children learn not only in the classroom, but also through play. With around 20% of a child’s school life spent at play — the equivalent of 1.4 years of primary education — it’s vital that this time is enriching, fun, and purposeful.

The OPAL programme rationale is that “…better, more active and creative playtimes can mean happier and healthier children, and having happier, healthier, more active children usually results in a more positive attitude to learning in school, with more effective classroom lessons, less staff time spent resolving unnecessary behavioural problems, fewer playtime accidents, happier staff and a healthier attitude to life”. 

The need for quality play opportunities in school is more important than ever, as children today face increasing time indoors and on screens. National statistics show:

• Children average six hours of screen time per day.
• Outdoor play averages just five hours per week.
• 56% of children in the UK only play outdoors with other children while at school.

Schools that adopt the OPAL Primary Programme report a wide range of benefits, including:

• Happier children who enjoy school more
• Fewer behaviour issues and disputes at playtime
• Safer play with fewer accidents
• More time in the classroom focused on learning

Play is not just a break from learning — it is learning. It allows children to develop essential life skills in a natural, enjoyable way. For children to play well, they need:

• Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor play in all weathers
• A variety of resources and materials to explore
• The freedom to make choices and take manageable risks

We are truly excited about what OPAL will bring to our school community and we value your support as we continue to develop our outdoor play provision.

To find out more about the OPAL Primary Programme, we encourage you to visit the OPAL website www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk, where you’ll find more information and videos about this fantastic initiative.