What is OPAL?

We have recently introduced a programme to improve children’s opportunities for physical activity, socialisation, co-operation, coordination, resilience, creativity, imagination and enjoyment through play.

The OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning Programme is a nationally recognised approach that has been developed and tested over 17 years in more than 250 schools. It is now used widely across the UK, as well as in countries such as Canada and New Zealand.

In 2018, OPAL was awarded first prize in a European Union-funded award for the best active schools programme in Europe, recognising its positive impact on children’s development and wellbeing.

At its heart, OPAL is based on a simple but powerful idea: children learn not only through high-quality teaching, but also through play.

As around 20% of a child’s time in school is spent playing—which is the equivalent of approximately 1.4 years of primary school—we believe it is vital that this time is as rich, engaging and beneficial as possible.

Through OPAL, we aim to provide children with high-quality play experiences that support their development across all areas, helping them to become confident, resilient and creative learners.

The Benefits of Play

Play is a vital part of every child’s development. It is not just fun—it is how children explore the world, develop skills and build confidence.

1. Children Learn Through Play

Play supports learning across all areas of development. Through play, children develop:

• Cognitive skills – problem-solving, reasoning and maths (e.g. role-playing in a shop)
• Physical skills – balance, coordination and movement
• Fitness – staying active and building strength
• Language skills – learning and using new vocabulary
• Social skills – teamwork, sharing and cooperation
• Literacy skills – reading and writing through imaginative play (e.g. menus, signs)

2. Play Supports Health and Wellbeing

Play helps children grow strong and healthy. It encourages physical activity and helps to tackle issues such as childhood obesity.

3. Play Reduces Stress

Play supports emotional development. It provides joy, helps children relax and gives them a natural outlet for worries and stress.

4. Play is Rich and Varied

Play can take many forms, including imaginative play, role play, physical play and games with rules. Each type supports different aspects of development and learning.

5. Making Time for Play Matters

Children need regular opportunities to play. It supports their development across cognitive, physical, social and emotional areas.

6. Play and Learning Go Hand in Hand

Play is not separate from learning—it is a key part of it. Think of play as the “practice space” where children apply what they have learned in meaningful ways.

7. Outdoor Play is Especially Important

Outdoor play offers unique experiences—building, exploring, being active and working together. It helps children develop resilience, creativity and independence.

8. Play Comes Naturally

Children are naturally curious and playful. When given time and freedom, they can achieve amazing things through their own ideas and exploration.

9. Play Builds Confidence and Success

Play provides rich learning opportunities that cannot be replicated by worksheets alone. For example, in a “mud café”, children:

• Write menus
• Take orders
• Use money
• Create and serve “food”

These experiences build confidence, independence and self-esteem.

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Golden Welly Award, introduced as part of our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Play Programme.

This award celebrates the fantastic play we see every day and recognises children who demonstrate our St Leonard’s values during playtime:
perseverance, community, hope, dignity, forgiveness and wisdom.

Each week, a member of the OPAL Play Team will select one winner. The award will be presented every Monday during our OPAL workshop.

The winner will receive:

• 🏆 The Golden Welly Award (to keep in their class for the week)
• ⭐ 10 Dojo points
• 📜 A certificate to take home and celebrate their achievement

We are really looking forward to recognising and celebrating the ways in which our pupils live out our values through their play.

A special thank you to Ollie Thomas, who designed and created the Golden Welly Award using a 3D printer—what a fantastic achievement!