OPAL
At Staverton, we believe play isn't just a break from learning – it is learning. Through the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme, we're transforming our playtimes into rich, varied, and genuinely exciting parts of the school day, true to our vision of a school without walls or ceilings.
What is OPAL?
OPAL is a play programme developed and refined over 17 years, now used in more than 250 schools across the country. It's founded on a simple belief: children learn not only through quality teaching, but through meaningful play.
Playtime makes up around 20% of a child's time at primary school – the equivalent of 1.4 years of their entire primary education. We're committed to making every minute of that time as rich, active, and beneficial as possible.
As the OPAL programme puts it, better, more active and creative playtimes lead to happier, healthier children – and happier, healthier children bring a more positive attitude to learning, fewer behavioural issues, fewer accidents, and a healthier attitude to life overall.
Why play matters
Play is one of the most powerful ways children develop physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually, and it works because it's genuinely theirs.
Through play, children:
- Explore their physical and social world, and the ideas within it
- Build self-esteem and understanding of others through freely chosen friendships and interactions
- Practise the negotiation and communication skills that balance their own freedom with responsibility to others
- Experience – and learn to cope with – a full range of emotions, from joy to frustration, confidence to disappointment
- Build the self-confidence to make choices, solve problems, and be creative
- Stay open to learning, and discover just how much they're capable of
Every child has the right to play, recreation, and leisure, and be heard on matters that affect them – rights that sit naturally alongside our own belief that every child belongs and deserves the freedom to be themselves.
What this looks like at Staverton
OPAL play at Staverton looks different to a traditional playtime – and that's the point.
Children have access to loose parts and materials for den building, imaginative role play in our mud kitchen, construction with everyday "junk" materials, and space to dig, build, and create in our sand pit.
How you can help
There's a lot parents can do to support richer play, both at school and at home:
- Send in "junk" for play – old pots and pans, fabric, boxes, tyres, and similar items are exactly what children need for den building and imaginative play. Anything donated is checked by staff before it reaches the playground
- Dress for outdoor play, whatever the weather – waterproofs, spare shoes, and warm layers in winter; sun hats and sun cream in summer. The same kit that helps at school helps at home and at weekends too
- Encourage outdoor play at home – a garden, a park, or even a driveway can be enough. Try stepping back and letting your child lead their own play, and don't worry about a few risks and a bit of mess along the way – that's often where the richest play happens
If you'd like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our OPAL team
OPAL at Staverton is led by a dedicated team:
- Megan Davies – Class Teacher and OPAL Curriculum Lead
- Sarah Nevers – Play Lead
- Rowan Castleman – Lead Governor for OPAL
- Becky Fletcher – Parent Lead
Our full Play Policy sets out our commitment to play, our approach to risk and supervision, and how OPAL reflects our wider vision and values as a school.
Find out more about our vision and values on our Vision, Values and Ethos page.
