In 2023, Ardleigh Green Junior School adopted the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) programme. We joined OPAL to improve our outdoor play provision and to enhance the children’s educational experience outside of the classroom.
OPAL is an award-winning, mentor-supported school improvement programme designed to enhance the quality of play in British primary schools. It focuses on embedding play into school policies and practices. It is a strategic school improvement initiative that supports sustainable change in culture and practice through play.
Childhood is changing: child obesity and mental health issues are rising; technology plays a large part in the lives of many children, and generally children are less active, with outdoor play declining. Play makes up 20% of school life so it is important the children have the most beneficial experience possible.
OPAL aims to create a lasting transformation in how play is thought about, planned for, resourced, and staffed. It is recognised to improve play quality, resulting in happier, better behaved and more engaged children.
OPAL is designed to:
- Improve behaviour
OPAL schools meet children’s play needs resulting in a huge reduction in playtime and post-playtime behaviour issues.
- Improve well being
OPAL provides all the policies, planning and evaluation tools to improve wellbeing through play, keeping your children happy.
- Develop skills
Playtimes become a ‘rich laboratory of creative expression’. Every child is supported by our trained staff to endlessly create and challenge themselves.
OPAL programme impact at Ardleigh Green Junior School
In our most recent OFSTED inspection, pupils’ behaviours and attitudes to learning were described as ‘exceptional’. We have a responsibility to maintain this standard and seek to continuously improve. OPAL is an important part of this process. We now have an extensive range of resources for inclusive outdoor play. Children are encouraged to explore all forms of play from small world, imaginative and creative play, through to messy play and construction with large objects. We also have spaces for children to sit and socialise or enjoy a quiet moment.
The impact has been very positive, and all children are now actively participating in play.
OPAL is one of the most impactful transformations on children’s lives that we’ve seen in the UK in the last 10 years- not just in schools, not just in education but just as a way of making a positive difference in children’s lives…I’m in awe actually.
Tim Gill former Director of Play England
Benefits of OPAL
Overall, OPAL provides a holistic approach to children’s development, supporting their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth through outdoor play and learning. The school has seen many positive changes which are also reflected in the children’s broader learning and behaviour in the class.
The wide-ranging benefits are list below.
- Physical activity: OPAL encourages up to 100% of girls and children with special educational needs (SEN) to be more active. This increased physical activity helps improve their overall health and fitness.
- Resilience and perseverance: Through outdoor play, children develop resilience, perseverance, decision-making skills, and determination. These qualities are essential for their personal growth and ability to face challenges.
- Creativity and language skills: OPAL fosters creativity and enhances language skills and storytelling abilities. Children engage in imaginative play, which stimulates their creative thinking and communication skills.
- Mathematical language, engineering, and science: Outdoor play provides opportunities for children to explore mathematical language, engineering concepts, and scientific principles. This hands-on learning approach helps them understand and apply these subjects in real-world contexts.
- Social and emotional skills: OPAL promotes the development of social and emotional skills. Children learn to interact with their peers, manage their emotions, and build positive relationships through play.
- Environmental awareness: The programme raises children’s awareness of environmental issues and encourages them to appreciate and care for nature. This understanding of ecological concepts and sustainability is crucial for their future.
- Improved behaviour: OPAL has been shown to improve positive behaviour in children. They are more on task when they return to class after engaging in outdoor play, and there are fewer accidents and incidents.
