Opal Play

What is OPAL?

At Audlem St James Primary School, we recognize that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom—play is an essential part of a child’s development, which is why we’ve decided to introduce OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning).

With 20% of a child’s school day dedicated to playtime, it’s crucial to make these moments enriching and purposeful. OPAL Play enhances creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience by providing children with diverse opportunities to explore, imagine, and collaborate. We believe that when play and learning go hand in hand, children thrive not only academically but also socially and emotionally. By fostering a love for play, we’re helping to build confident, well-rounded individuals who are ready to take on challenges inside and outside the classroom.

Our Commitment to Outdoor
Play and Learning

At Audlem St James CE
Primary School, we are committed to providing enriched outdoor play experiences
that support the holistic development of all our pupils aged 4-11. Through our
Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) approach, we recognise that outdoor play is a
vital part of childhood and an essential component of children's learning and
development.

We believe that children
have the right to experience adventurous, challenging play that allows them to
explore, take appropriate risks, and develop the skills and confidence they
need to thrive both in school and beyond.

Developmental Benefits of Enriched Outdoor Play

Our OPAL provision delivers significant benefits across all areas of children's development:

Physical Development

Gross motor skills: Climbing, balancing,
running, and jumping develop strength, coordination, and spatial awareness.
Fine motor skills: Manipulating natural
materials, building and creating with loose parts.
Physical health: Regular outdoor activity
promotes cardiovascular fitness, healthy weight, and strong bones and
muscles.
Sensory development: Exposure to different
textures, temperatures, and natural environments

Social and Emotional Development

Resilience: Learning to cope with challenges, setbacks,
and minor discomforts builds emotional strength.
Confidence: Successfully navigating risks and challenges
boosts self-esteem and self-belief.
Social skills: Negotiating play,
cooperating, sharing, and resolving conflicts with peers.
Emotional regulation: Managing excitement,
frustration, and fear in a supportive environment
Independence: Making choices, solving problems, and taking
responsibility for their own safety

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Stress reduction: Outdoor play provides
opportunities for relaxation and emotional release
Improved mood: Physical activity and
connection with nature support positive mental health
Sense of belonging: Inclusive outdoor play
helps all children feel valued and part of the school community
Joy and fun: Unstructured play time allows children to
experience pure enjoyment

Cognitive Development
Problem-solving: Working out how to build,
create, and overcome physical challenges
Creativity and imagination: Open-ended play with
natural and loose parts materials
Risk assessment skills: Learning to evaluate
situations and make informed decisions about their own safety
Scientific thinking: Exploring natural
phenomena, cause and effect, and the changing seasons
Mathematical concepts: Measuring, comparing,
estimating through practical outdoor activities

Personal Development
Character building: Developing qualities such
as perseverance, courage, and determination
Decision-making: Learning to weigh up
options and make appropriate choices
Self-awareness: Understanding their own
capabilities and limits
Respect for the environment: Developing an
appreciation for nature and understanding of sustainability

Preparation for Life Beyond School

Our OPAL provision supports pupils to develop the knowledge and skills they need for participation and success
in later life, including:

Understanding how to keep themselves safe in different environments. Developing the ability to assess and manage
risks independently. Building resilience to cope with challenges and setbacks. Learning to work cooperatively with others
from different backgrounds

What do our playtimes look like?
Our playtimes are a vibrant and exciting part of the school day, filled with opportunities for every child to explore, create, and connect. Through OPAL Play, we’ve transformed our outdoor spaces into dynamic environments where children can engage in imaginative play, build structures, climb, dig, and even invent their own games. Our approach ensures that playtimes are inclusive and enriching, offering something for everyone—whether it’s collaborating with friends, discovering new interests, or simply enjoying moments of free play. By making play fun and stimulating, we are nurturing creativity, confidence, and joy in every child, ensuring that their time outdoors is as valuable as their time in the classroom.