Outdoor Play and Learning Programme - OPAL
What is OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning Programme)?
OPAL is an award-winning, mentor-supported school improvement programme that addresses all the areas that schools must plan for if they want to improve the quality of their play opportunities. OPAL is the only programme of its kind that has been independently proven to sustainably improve the quality of play in British primary schools.
Click here to view the Greenside Grapevine Welly Posts.
What is OPAL and why are we doing it?
OPAL is a nationally recognised, evidence-based school improvement programme that enhances the quality of outdoor play for children in primary schools. It supports schools to create engaging, inclusive and well-managed playtimes that positively impact behaviour, wellbeing and learning. At Greenside Primary School, OPAL aligns with our commitment to nurturing happy, confident and resilient learners, ensuring all children feel valued, included and ready to succeed.
How OPAL works.
OPAL is delivered over 18-24 months and supported by specialist mentoring. Key elements include:
- Audit and action planning to identify priorities for Greenside.
- A school play team to lead and embed change.
- Staff training focused on play, inclusion and risk benefit thinking.
- Creative use of outdoor spaces and loose parts (e.g. tyres, crates, fabric).
- Review of policies to ensure consistency and sustainability.
It is a whole-school approach, not reliant on expensive fixed equipment but on a cultural shift and putting play as a focus.
What we are aiming for!
This is what we are aiming for our playtimes to be through this programme.
All the children are engaged and enjoying their play times but still showing the 6R's and learning without even knowing it!
Our OPAL Team Working Party
Sub-Team
Play Leaders
Our OPAL Photo Gallery
