OPAL

OPAL – Outdoor Play and Learning
At Newchurch St. Mary's Primary School, we believe that play is a fundamental part of childhood, enriching children’s learning, development, and well-being. That’s why we are proud to be an OPAL school!

What is OPAL?
OPAL is a nationally recognised programme that helps schools improve the quality of play opportunities for all children. Developed by experts in play and education, OPAL encourages creative, active, and inclusive outdoor play, ensuring that every child has the chance to explore, socialise, and develop essential life skills through play.

The Benefits of OPAL at Newchurch St. Mary's  Primary School
By embracing OPAL, we are transforming playtimes into rich, engaging experiences that support our pupils in numerous ways:

• Physical Development – Outdoor play encourages movement, coordination, and strength-building, helping children to stay active and healthy.
• Social Skills – Playtime provides opportunities for teamwork, cooperation, and friendship-building, fostering a sense of community.
• Creativity and Imagination – Open-ended play encourages problem-solving, innovation, and imaginative storytelling.
• Resilience and Risk-Taking – Children learn to assess risks, develop confidence, and build resilience through their play experiences.
• Happiness and Well-Being – Outdoor play is proven to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being, making our school a happier place for everyone.

Impact
The implementation of OPAL in our Primary School will have a range of positive impacts on children, staff, and the overall school community. These impacts will be evidenced in numerous ways, including:

• Enhanced Well-being: The OPAL program will contribute to children's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Regular engagement in outdoor play will encourage physical activity, improve fitness, and help combat sedentary behaviour. The opportunities for social interaction and collaboration will develop emotional intelligence and resilience.
• Improved Attitudes Towards Learning: The outdoor play experiences provided through OPAL will foster a love for learning and curiosity among children. Through play, children will develop critical thinking skills, problem- solving abilities, and the capacity to take risks. They will approach learning with enthusiasm, demonstrating a greater motivation to explore and discover new knowledge.
• Positive Social Interaction: The inclusive play environment created by OPAL will promote positive social interaction among children. They will learn to share, negotiate, and resolve conflicts collaboratively. The outdoor setting will provide opportunities for cross-age interactions, strengthening relationships within the school community and fostering a greater sense of belonging.
• Increased Engagement and Achievement: Embedding OPAL within the curriculum will create a more engaging learning environment, resulting in increased levels of participation and achievement across subjects. The hands-on experiences and practical application of concepts learned outdoors will enhance children's understanding and retention of knowledge.
• Stronger Connection to Nature: The OPAL program will cultivate a deep connection to the natural world, promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. Children will develop a greater appreciation for the outdoors, leading to a desire to care for their surroundings and engage in environmentally responsible behaviours both within and outside of school.