OPAL – Outdoor play and learning

Since we introduced the OPAL programme at Lockleaze Road, playtimes have become more fun than ever before.

The school achieved the OPAL Platinum Award status, which means playtimes are in the Top 1% in the UK. 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 British 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, throughout the year.

Click on the link below to view a PDF of the suggested loose parts for our outdoor play and learning.

OPAL Loose Part Guidelines

FAPS Play Policy