We have started a programme to improve opportunities for physical activity, socialisation, cooperation, coordination, resilience, creativity, imagination and enjoyment through improved play. We want to give children back time to really enjoy and learn from play. After all, it’s a child’s basic human right!

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 positive for the children as possible!

Childhood has changed, and many children no longer get their play needs met out of school. For example, average screen time per day is six hours whereas the average outdoor play time per week is only five hours!

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. We have already begun to see the impact at Heene!

Play is not messing about. It is the process evolution has come up with to enable children to learn all of the things that cannot be taught, while also having so much fun. There are certain things children must have in order to be able to play. These include:

• Having clothes that they can play in.
• Having things to play with.
• Having a certain amount of freedom.

As the school improves play opportunities for your child/children, we will need to buy some new resources, move some things around on the playground and require some donations of ‘loose parts’ (any materials that can be easily moved, combined, and incorporated into children’s free play). 

In the coming months you will be invited to events where you can come and see for yourselves what is happening and have the opportunity to join in too.

We are really excited about this project and hope that you will support us in our efforts to improve playtime for all children.

Find out more here! Home - Outdoor Play and Learning

OPAL Team:

Mrs Chandler

Mrs Arnold

Mrs Usher

Mrs Barton

OPAL Leaders: Mrs S Chandler and Mrs J Arnold