OPAL at Strathmore
"Play is freely chosen, personally directed, intrinsically motivated behaviour that actively engages the child. Play can be fun or serious...By playing, children learn and develop as individuals, and as members of the community." (Play Council 2001)
In April 2025, we began our exciting new journey to become an OPAL school, improving our playtimes for the pupils of Strathmore.
OPAL (Outdoor play and learning) is a school development project, that won the 'best active schools' programme in Europe' award and focuses on delivering outstanding playtimes for all pupils. Play makes up 20% of the school day and high quality playtimes help pupils to develop:
- Strength and endurance,
- Whole body coordination,
- Emotional attachment,
- Emotional and social skills,
- Hand-eye coordination,
- Thinking, reasoning, problem solving,
- Early language development.
Within our OPAL project, we have worked hard to transform our play environment, increasing the range of play opportunities available for our pupils. Within these changes we have introduced tree climbing, mud kitchens, construction, dressing up, music, bikes, small world and den building areas, alongside many more play opportunities.
We have also worked with our staff play team, training our staff in playworker essentials and risk benefit analysis. This training is used to ensure that all pupils are able to enjoy safe, fun and engaging play times.
OPAL and our pupils
Our pupils have really enjoyed our OPAL play time adaptations. They have been involved in our play development every step of the way, giving feedback, attending play assemblies and supporting other pupils as Year 2 play leaders.
Our pupils also worked together to create our OPAL Play Charter, guidance that we felt was important to ensure that we all enjoy our playtimes together.
Feedback from our recent pupil's play survey included:
OPAL and our parents
Our parents have also been involved in our OPAL play journey every step of the way. We have parents on our OPAL working group, making OPAL donations and attending workshops and stay and play events.
We go out for our OPAL playtimes in all weathers - except torrential rain - therefore we recommend that all pupils have waterproof clothes and wellies in school at all times. We have also adopted an active uniform policy so that all pupils are able to play and move freely.
Feedback from out most recent parents' survey included:
OPAL's campaign for play
Alongside the great work they do with schools, OPAL are also on a mission to highlight the importance of play for all children. Through the Plan for Play campaign, they are calling for greater recognition, protection, and investment in children's opportunities to play.
For more information and to sign the petition please visit Require every primary school to have a published plan for outdoor free play - Petitions.
You can also find more information at the OPAL website.