OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning)

We had our final OPAL assessment on 23rd January and are very proud to share that we received the highest grading: PLATINUM!

"Shears Green Infant School has just achieved Platinum award status from OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning. This means that they are in the top 1% of UK schools for the quality of the play they provide for all their children. The school has demonstrated that it takes the UNCRC Article 31, the child's right to play, seriously and is implementing all stages of school improvement in relation to play, including policy, planning, resourcing, staffing and evaluation." 

Michael Follett BA Hons Ed, PGCE OPAL Founder and Director

What is OPAL?

Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) is a community interest company (CIC) dedicated to providing services to schools and organisations in England and Wales to improve the quality of play opportunities for all children. OPAL staff have expertise in teaching, school improvement, landscape design, project management, play and strategic planning.
The OPAL Primary Programme offers schools a structured process, with mentored support provided for up to two years and many resources, to enable schools to permanently change both their environment and their culture to enable provision of amazing playtimes every day.
To date, OPAL has run programmes in over 1000 schools throughout the whole UK and has recently expanded to Spain, France, Poland, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia.

What are the benefits of the OPAL programme?

More teaching time
Most schools report 10 minutes more teaching time per teacher with happier, more creative, and well exercised children who settle to classes much more quickly.
Improved behaviour
OPAL schools report an 80% reduction in the use of behaviour policies and a 90% reduction in senior leadership time being spent resolving playtime issues.
Faster core skills development
Children at OPAL schools rapidly develop creativity, imagination, cooperation, resilience, stamina and confidence.
Inclusion
OPAL's approach makes play better for every child, every day... no exceptions!
Happiness and wellbeing
Play is a human need and a human right. Children and staff at OPAL schools report feeling less stressed, happier, and more excited about school.

Watch this space as our journey with OPAL develops!