OPAL

What is OPAL?

Over the last year, we have started a programme to improve opportunities for enjoyment, physical activity, socialisation, co-operation, co-ordination and resilience by enriching the quality of our play.

The OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Programme has been developed and refined over 17 years and is now used in more than 250 schools. It’s founded on the belief that children learn not only through quality teaching but also through meaningful play. Since playtime makes up around 20% of a child’s school experience—equivalent to 1.4 years of primary school—we are committed to making that time as rich and beneficial as possible.

The OPAL (Outside Play and Learning) Primary 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.”

Why OPAL?

At Staverton, we believe that play provision should be welcoming and accessible to every child, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, economic or social circumstances, ethnic or cultural background or origin, or individual abilities. Children should have opportunities to explore, manipulate, experience and affect their environment to help challenge and develop key skills, such as co-operation and socialisation, needed for later life.

The OPAL approach to play is true to our vision to be a school ‘without walls and ceilings’ and one which we believe to be very important.

For more information, take a look at our play policy.