OPAL – Outdoor play and learning

Since we introduced the OPAL programme at Filton Avenue, playtimes have become just about as much fun as they can be. The school recently achieved it’s second OPAL Platinum Award, and is now one of handful of Honours Schools in the UK. As one of 1,200 OPAL schools in the UK this puts our playtimes in the top 1%.

The OPAL programme offers schools a structured process, which has supported us to permanently change both our environment and our culture, to enable provision of amazing playtimes every day. OPAL addresses all of the areas schools must plan for if they want to strategically and sustainably improve the quality of their play opportunities.

The OPAL programme is the only one of its kind that has been independently proven to sustainably improve the quality of play in UK primary schools. Research shows that play contributes to children’s physical and emotional health, wellbeing, approach to learning and enjoyment of school. OPAL schools report many benefits, including: more teaching time, improved behaviour, faster core skills development, more inclusive playtimes and increased happiness of both pupils and staff.

We will contact you with information of OPAL events we’ll be holding, such as Stay and play and OPAL Bingo, throughout the year.