OPAL Play

OPAL Play at Barlby CP School

In schools across Britain children spend around 20% of their day in play. Every other part of a school day is structured and planned for yet many schools have no strategic or values-based approach to play across all ages.

The OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Primary Programme is a mentor-supported school improvement programme. OPAL’s vision is that ‘every child in every school has an amazing playtime every day’ and as a school we also share this vision and recognise the enormous benefits play has on a child’s life. As a school we have written a play policy which you will find a link to on this page. We really value our children having the best playtimes ever and recognise how important it is to them.

We are developing the OPAL approach and are working with our school community to continually improve our play provision.

In September we introduced: tree swinging, small world toys (cars, people, animals, dinosaurs, doll’s houses), Tractor tyres, wall walking and fancy dress.

In October we introduced: skipping, football, basketball and cardboard.

Research shows that play contributes to children’s physical and emotional health and wellbeing, and a positive approach to learning and enjoyment of school. Given the importance of play in children’s lives and current concerns about children’s health and opportunity to access time and space to initiate their own play outdoors, there are considerable benefits for children, parents, schools, and the wider community from participating in OPAL's programme.

Our children have the opportunity to play wherever they want, with whoever they want. They have the freedom to explore and play in their own imaginative ways, experimenting, problem solving and having fun using a wide range of available resources.

Children need and want to stretch and challenge themselves when they play. Play provision and play space that is stimulating and exciting allows children to encounter and learn about risk. This helps them to build confidence, learn skills and develop resilience at their own pace.

The right to play and informal recreation, for all children and young people up to 18 years of age, is contained in Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by the UK government in 1991. The government has a duty under this convention to protect and promote play opportunities for all children and young people.

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: Article 31

1. States Parties recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.

2. States Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.