OPAL - Outdoor Play and Learning

What is OPAL?

OPAL – Outdoor Play and Learning

At Holy Trinity C of E Primary School, we believe that play is an essential part of childhood. It gives children the freedom to explore, create, make choices, build relationships and develop confidence in themselves.

Through OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), we are developing rich, varied and inclusive play opportunities where every child can play, explore, imagine, create and challenge themselves.

Our approach is rooted in our school values of Community, Aspiration, Resilience and Enjoyment:

• Community – children build friendships, communicate, negotiate and learn to work together.

• Aspiration – children are encouraged to try new things, make choices and discover what they can achieve.

• Resilience – play gives children opportunities to take manageable risks, solve problems, overcome setbacks and persevere.

• Enjoyment – above all, play should bring joy, creativity and a sense of belonging to the school day.

We believe that every child should have access to play that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible, whatever their individual abilities or circumstances.

Our adults support children without taking over their play, creating an environment where children can develop independence, confidence and ownership of their experiences.

We also recognise that appropriate risk and challenge are an important part of growing and learning. Children are supported to assess situations, make decisions and manage manageable risks for themselves, helping them develop independence, resilience and confidence.

Our vision is for playtimes where every child can find something that interests them, spend time with friends, challenge themselves and simply enjoy being a child.

Rooted in Faith, we Reach for the Stars — and through OPAL, we are creating the space for every child to play, grow and flourish.

 

See OPAL in Action

 

OPAL Parent Survey Results

 

OPAL Play Policy

 

Play at Home

Here are some links to inspire play at home: 

 

 

OPAL Wishlist

We are building up our collection of loose parts, play equipment and resources for our Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) provision. We would be very grateful for donations of any of the following: 

 Thank you for helping us create an exciting, creative and playful outdoor environment for all our children!