Outdoor Play and Learning Programme (OPAL)
Our amazing grounds!
Our Playground is going through some very exciting changes at the moment which are enabling the children to not only enjoy playtime a lot more but also continue to learn.
We are working closely with OPAL to ensure that the changes we are making are risk assessed, purposeful and sustainable.
Our vision for playtime and lunchtimes is that every child in school has an amazing hour of high-quality play every day – with no exceptions.
At St Michael and All Angels, we firmly believe that playtime and lunchtimes should have the same educational value that learning times does. Research shows that children's mental and physical health is deteriorating and that great play can have a massive impact enhancing it!
During seven years at primary school, children spend 1.4 years at "play."
Therefore, in September 2024, we have taken the decision to embark on a new journey with OPAL.
During the term, the children have play assemblies where they discuss any new areas which have been introduced and and discuss any possible risks and how they might manage them. The children are also taking a leading role in helping us to develop our whole school environment to ensure we all make the most of the wonderful natural resources we have available to us.
What is OPAL? Outdoor Play and Learning at St Michael and Angels Primary School.
Research shows that play contributes to children’s physical and emotional health, well-being, 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, school and the wider community from participating in OPAL's programme. The OPAL Primary Programme supports schools in developing a cultural shift in thinking about and supporting children’s play.
What are the benefits of the OPAL Primary Programme?
• More teaching time - happier, more creative and well exercised children who settle in class much more quickly.
• Improved behaviour - decrease in the use of behaviour policies and less time spent resolving playtime issues.
• Faster core skills development - children develop creativity, imagination, co-operation, resilience, stamina and confidence.
• Inclusion - makes play better for every child, every day... no exceptions!
• Happiness and wellbeing – children feel less stressed, happier and more excited about school.
• AND MUCH MORE!
Phase 1 (October 2024) – we introduced a small world area and activities, plastic building bricks, dressing up clothes and a stage for role play and encouraged den making using plastic crates and equipment. We already use tyres for creative use and had music in the outdoor stage area.
Phase 2 (January 2025) – we will add bikes, trikes and a playground sandpit.
How can parents help?
Please don’t be cross with us if your child comes home muddy. Please ensure the children have the right equipment in school. Certain areas you can only access if you have wellies and waterproof equipment. We are developing strategies to help protect your child from getting too muddy but unfortunately we live in Foulridge where it rains hard!
We will be holding information sessions in the Spring term 2025