OPAL

What is OPAL?

What is OPAL?
At Ashby Willesley Primary School, we are incredibly proud to have achieved Platinum status in our OPAL audit, with 100% across all 18 areas. This is the highest level of accreditation and reflects the exceptional quality of play opportunities we provide for our children. 

The OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Programme is a nationally recognised, research-based approach developed over 17 years and implemented in hundreds of schools. It focuses on improving opportunities for physical activity, socialisation, co-operation, coordination, resilience, creativity, imagination and, most importantly, enjoyment through high-quality play.

OPAL is based on the understanding that children learn not only through teaching, but also through play. As around 20% of a child’s time in school is spent playing, this equates to approximately 1.4 years of their primary education. We are committed to ensuring this time is as rich, meaningful and beneficial as possible.

Why do we follow the OPAL programme?
Childhood has changed. Many children today have fewer opportunities to play freely outside of school:

• Average daily screen time: 5 hours
• Average weekly outdoor play: 5 hours
• 56% of UK children only play outdoors with others at school

This makes the role of play in school more important than ever.

Schools that implement OPAL typically see:

• Increased enjoyment of school
• Improved behaviour and cooperation
• Fewer accidents
• Less time lost to resolving disputes

The benefits of play

Play is essential for children’s development and wellbeing. Through play, children develop:

• Cognitive skills – problem solving, reasoning and creativity
• Physical skills – coordination, balance and movement
• Fitness – increased activity levels and energy use
• Language skills – new vocabulary through imaginative play
• Social skills – cooperation, negotiation and teamwork
• Literacy skills – mark making, storytelling and role play

Play also:

• Supports emotional wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety
• Encourages resilience and independence
• Promotes healthy lifestyles

Play is not a break from learning, it is learning. It is where children explore, experiment and make sense of the world around them.

Working together
We encourage families to support play at home by providing time, space and freedom for children to explore and be imaginative. Outdoor play, in particular, helps children build confidence, take risks safely and create lasting memories.

At Ashby Willesley, we are passionate about giving children the very best play experiences. Achieving Platinum status reflects our commitment to ensuring every child has access to rich, engaging and high-quality play every day.

Guidance on Manging Risk in Play and Leisure

The Case for Play in Schools 

OPAL Parents Guide