OPAL PLAY

At St Mary’s

We Love Our Playtimes

OPAL Play is a school improvement initiative designed to enhance the quality of outdoor play in our school. The program supports schools in creating better play environments by addressing 18 critical factors related to cultural and environmental improvements. It focuses on fostering creativity, cooperation, resilience, and well-being among students. We hope that from implementing OPAL, we will see improvements in behaviour, increased physical activity, and a more inclusive play environment​. You can find more information about the OPAL play programme below.

We have also included the below document from OPAL called the ‘Power Of Playtime’. This document highlights different types of play, such as imaginative play, outdoor play, and the use of digital tools, while discussing how the pandemic affected access to play spaces and opportunities. It also explores parents’ perspectives on play, noting that many associate it with indoor activities but recognize the value of outdoor and unstructured play. It also includes practical applications and research insights, such as case studies, infographics, and strategies to promote equitable play opportunities

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OPAL Play Policy

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School we aim to create a welcoming, caring environment where relationships are based on the value of respect and aim to develop positive self-esteem and resilience in every child. The opportunity to build good relationships through play at break times and lunchtimes is fundamental to each child’s happiness, well-being and successful learning. Thus, all staff are committed to maintaining high expectations of play as an essential contribution to the educational experience at our school.

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Health and Safety Policy

The purpose of this statement is to give clear messages which tackle misunderstandings. In this statement, HSE makes clear that, as a regulator, it recognises the benefits of allowing children and young people of all ages and abilities to have challenging play opportunities.

Key message: ‘Play is great for children’s well-being and development. When planning and providing play opportunities, the goal is not to eliminate risk, but to weigh up the risks and benefits. No child will learn about risk if they are wrapped in cotton wool’.

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