We have started a programme to improve opportunities for physical activity, socialisation, cooperation, coordination, resilience, creativity, imagination and enjoyment through improved play.

 

The Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme is the result of over 20 years of testing and development in over 800 schools.

 

OPAL is based on the idea that, as well as learning through good teaching, your children also learn when they play.

 

There are many proven benefits for schools that carry out the OPAL Primary Programme. They usually include: more enjoyment of school, fewer accidents and greatly improved behaviour. 

 

As the school improves play opportunities for your children, you may find the school is asking you for resources and is making changes about how the children use the school grounds. They may use more of the grounds, for more of the year. Your children may get a bit messier, be exposed to more challenges and have greater freedoms to play where, with whom and how they like.

 

The school will be supported by OPAL for 18 months. If you would like to learn more about the OPAL Primary Programme, please have a look at the OPAL website (www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk), where you will find lots of useful information and several videos about the programme.

 

We are really excited about this project and hope that you will support us in our efforts to improve playtime for all children.