OPAL Playtimes

OPAL - Outdoor Play & Learning

What is OPAL?

Research has shown that children spend 20% of their time in school playing. To ensure that this time and our fantastic school grounds are used to their full potential our school has adopted an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) philosophy that allows the children freedom to explore play in their own imaginative ways, often using found and gathered resources in the natural outdoor environment.

An OPAL approach promotes a more inclusive play environment in which all children can feel comfortable to express themselves. We began our OPAL journey at the end of the Summer term 2024, and spent last academic year adding more and more exciting elements! Our children love the outdoor opportunities that OPAL offers, with so much more for them to do, no matter the weather! Our children now have access to: wheeled play, small world toys, giant chalkboards, climbing frames, a sandpit, dress up, marble runs, ball games, large loose parts, arts and crafts, exercise equipment, water play and lots, lots more!

All children have wellies in school which are stored on our welly rack. This means they can choose daily whether they want to put their wellies on and play on our school field, or stay on the playground and access the resources there. 

OPAL certainly offers an exciting alternative to the standard playground activities.

Through this approach to play children are not only more active at lunch or break times, but they are also having the opportunity to further develop life skills such as cooperation, team work and problem solving. They are becoming motivated and enthusiastic builders, engineers, explorers and designers.

Playtime at St Luke's is a joy to behold! 

Every day, OPAL play reflects our school Christian vision in action. We see children living out our school vision through flourishing in their play. The children care for and support our younger pupils, and everyone encourages each other. 

This learning through play also engages pupils in opportunities for spiritual development - no matter what our faith, or whether we are of no faith, we all have the ability to connect in what we are enjoying and experiences around us. 

OPAL is the gift of the freedom to play. It opens the mind to questions and never ending chances to explore and feel in awe and wonder of the world as we connect with it. 

What our children say:

In Giraffes we love OPAL! Our favourite things are Welly Wednesday, using the climbing frame, the sandpit, dancing and when we have bubbles. We also love dressing up and playing with our friends. We sometimes play with friends in other classes, which is great - they help and encourage us. We like that we don't have to ask if we can go on the field. We love playing with the cars and figures, and driving the big car on the field. 

Elephants Class

I feel great at OPAL time because there's so much to do like climbing on the climbing frame and running  on the field.

OPAL play makes me feel excited about what I can do.

I like drawing in OPAL because it makes me feel relaxed. I like being on the playground in OPAL because I get to dress up as different characters and this makes me happy.

Tigers Class

I really enjoy OPAL and it makes me feel happy. My favourite bit is playing on the climbing frame on the field.

My favourite part of OPAL is playing in the kitchen on the field and making soup.

My favourite part of OPAL is all of it! I love skipping but I am still learning how to do it.

I like playing on the bikes and going really fast down the hill. 

I like getting messy in the sandpit!

Lions Class:

I love OPAL because it helps me flourish with playtime. I find it really fun and I'm always excited for lunchtime! 

OPAL helps me to develop relationships because some people like to play with me. 

I love OPAL because we get to use the field and have lots of open space to play.

We can all have fun on the field and people love to play and try new things.

What our parents/carers say:

OPAL play gives so many opportunities for creativity, shared experiences and connection with others in a playful way. It has been really valuable for confidence. 

My child continues to flourish at school. She cherishes OPAL playtimes which have enabled children to show kindness, co-operation and confidence.

The OPAL play initiative is a fantastic nurturing tool. It clearly transforms playtime into something else. Children enter into a wonderland each time it takes place - I want to take part!

The OPAL playtimes are fantastic! My children are coming out of school very happy and full of excitement!