St Paul’s Primary School in Chippenham has recently achieved the highest award for the quality of its outdoor play and learning – an achievement only 1% of OPAL schools achieve.
OPAL – which stands for Outdoor Play and Learning – is a programme to improve opportunities for physical activity, socialisation, co-operation, coordination, resilience, creativity, imagination and enjoyment through improved play. It is based on the idea that as well as learning through good teaching, children also learn when they play.
“It takes approximately 18 months to become an OPAL school – which begins with an audit of your current Play provision and training by your mentor for all the school staff,” explained Sheridan Upton, the Headteacher at St Paul’s. “Between September 2020 and April 2022, we have transformed how our grounds are used and developed to ensure they are accessible all year round, having a range of opportunities and experiences where every area is accessible for all children.
“A typical playtime at St Paul’s will include swings and hammocks, mud café, scooter track, music and dancing, ride-on toys, loose parts, dressing up clothes, tyres, low-buggies, table tennis and basketball. There is a chill-out area if you want to draw or read, a Rainbow Garden to sit and relax – or make tacos! Children all socialise together – the older children love the opportunity to help the younger children in their play.
“One half of the field is left to grow wild – so by the Summer term the grass is long and can be an extra hiding place, or for children to just enjoy walking through the long grass. It is also a haven for butterflies, bees and insects from the wild flowers that have been sowed. If you want to sit and relax, there is always the canoe!”
The Forest School and Outdoor Learning lead at the school, Mrs Evans, was inspired by the OPAL programme after visiting an Opal school in Bristol – where she was so impressed with the quality of play and happiness. Parents were invited to come and see an OPAL session and provided positive feedback. One parent commented, “I had arrived at the school not expecting much to have changed; instead, I was absolutely stunned by the difference that the OPAL play scheme has made. It was utterly joyful to see how happy the children were, each playing in their own style, and with so many ways to explore their surroundings.”
At the end of the programme, schools go through a final audit – an 18 point checklist to recognise achievements and identify next steps, which will lead to a Silver, Gold or Platinum award. The pupils, staff and parents at St Paul’s were delighted to have achieved the top award, which only 1% of OPAL schools achieve.
“Children are being more active due to the activities and space on offer,” added Sheridan. “Children are happier, more sociable, creative and more resilient. After lunchtime, children return to class and settle to their learning quickly, and staff do not have to spend time dealing with any incidents.
“We’re now planning the new OPAL addition – a large beach, which will hopefully be installed later this year!”