What is OPAL?
OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) is an approach that helps children enjoy high-quality play every day. It is based on the understanding that play is essential for children’s happiness, health, learning, and overall development. Through OPAL, children have greater opportunities to explore, create, imagine, solve problems, take appropriate risks, and work together, using a wide range of open-ended resources in a safe and well-managed environment.
Research shows that play is a vital part of children’s development. During play, children build confidence, resilience, creativity, communication skills, and independence. They learn to negotiate, cooperate, make decisions, and manage challenges, all of which support their emotional wellbeing and social development. Outdoor play also promotes physical health by developing strength, balance, coordination, and fine and gross motor skills.
OPAL encourages children to lead their own play, follow their interests, and develop important life skills while having fun. Staff carefully support and supervise play, ensuring children can enjoy exciting, engaging experiences in a safe environment. By providing rich opportunities for outdoor play, we are helping children become confident, capable, and motivated learners who are ready to thrive both in school and beyond.
Our Activities so far…
- Basketball
- Chalk
- Mud Kitchen
- Musical Instruments
- Scooters
- Digging
