Outdoor Play and Learn (OPAL)

Pupils spend 20% of their school life at play. Per year, that’s 231 hours, 37 days or 7.4 weeks! 

We are pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new project to make our play times even better, in conjunction with OPAL.

OPAL stands for Outdoor Play and Learning and is a programme aimed to improve opportunities for physical activity, socialisation, cooperation, coordination, resilience, creativity, imagination, and enjoyment through improved play. 

The Programme is the result of over 20 years of testing and development in over 800 schools and has been used in Spain, Canada, France and New Zealand. The programme has also been adapted and used in schools in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Austria under the Play Friendly Schools project. 

OPAL is based on the idea that, as well as learning through good teaching, children also learn when they play. As 20% of their time in school is playtime, we want to make sure that this amount of time (equivalent to 1.4 years of primary school) is as good as possible. 

One reason the school is carrying out this programme is that childhood has changed, and many children no longer get their play needs met out of school. 

• Average screen time per day is six hours. 
• Average outdoor play time per week is five hours. 
• Percentage of UK children who only play outdoors with other children at school is 56%. 

There are many proven benefits for schools that carry out the OPAL Primary Programme. They usually include: more enjoyment of school, less teaching time lost to disputes between children, fewer accidents and greatly improved behaviour.

At Richard de Clare, we believe that play is an essential part of our pupil's social, emotional and physical development. We are committed to ensuring quality play opportunities are available to all our children. 

Visit the OPAL website to find out more information.

https://outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/

We’re only just at the start of our OPAL journey but will be sharing updated with parents and carers as these happen.  

What can you do to help?

As a school community, we are currently seeking support from the school community to build an exciting play provision for our pupils. You can support us by: 

• Sharing our vision for amazing play 
• Helping us raise funds through our sponsored school events 
• Donating equipment requested via Classdojo (e.g. kitchen utensils, old clothing) 
• Ensuring that your child is properly equipped for play in all weathers with a coat and appropriate shoes