At Applegarth Primary School, we recognise that play is fundamental to a child’s development and makes up 20% of their school day. We believe that play is essential for their social, emotional, physical and intellectual intelligence for each child. When reflecting as a school staff, some of our fondest memories were from playing outside as a child and we felt we needed to improve our lunchtime provision and in the spring of February 2023 our OPAL journey began.
What is OPAL?
OPAL (outdoor play and learning) 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.
OPAL at Applegarth
Children at Applegarth Primary School will have the opportunity to explore a variety of play zones across our playground and field. Some of which include:
- The bike zone
- The stage
- Small world
- Sand and water zone
- Den building
- Sports
- Mud kitchen
- Timber trail and climbing
- Digging
These areas will all help to enhance your child’s creativity, confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, mental health and well-being, behaviour, social connection and belonging. Sometimes your child will come home a bit muddy or full of sand- this only means they have had a wonderful time playing!
Areas are risk assessed and are supervised by members of the play team who support our children to take part in positive play and manage risks safely.
How can you help?
OPAL is reliant on donations to keep our resources up-to-date and enhance our provision. We will regularly send out letters and appeals to parents for ways that you can help. Also, we are always looking for ways to improve our provision and make new zones. If you have any ideas or resources you could donate, we would be extremely appreciative of any support.
Children should have in school with them at all times:
- A pair of wellies
- A waterproof coat with a hood
We aim to allow children to have access to our school field everyday of the year and want to reduce the number of wet playtimes we have. By having wellies and a coat in school, this will ensure that this can happen.
