OPAL (Outdoor Learning and Play)

OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) at Prendergast Primary School

Welcome to our dedicated page for the OPAL Primary Programme, a mentor-supported school improvement programme that addresses all the areas school leaders must plan for to strategically and sustainably improve the quality of play. At Prendergast Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child has an amazing playtime every day, with no exceptions.

What is OPAL?

Research has shown that children spend 20% of their time in school playing. This is equivalent to approximately 1.4 years of their primary education. To ensure this time and our stunning outdoor space are used to their full potential, our school has adopted the OPAL philosophy. This approach allows children the freedom to explore play in their own imaginative ways, often using found and gathered "loose parts" in the natural environment.

Our Vision and Values

We believe that play is fundamental to children’s development, allowing them to explore, manipulate, and influence their environment. Our play provision is guided by our school CARES values:

Community: Developing teamwork and collaboration through social play.
Ambition: Inspiring children to push boundaries and try new things.
Resilience: Encouraging children to overcome challenges and persist.
Effort: Reinforcing the value of practice and skill-building.
Success: Helping children experience achievement through creative problem-solving.

The Benefits of Better Play

Schools that have fully implemented the OPAL programme report significant improvements across several areas:

Improved Behaviour: Engaging play leads to fewer disputes and a calmer return to the classroom for learning.
Safety: Despite more activity, schools often see a decrease in minor accidents because children become more competent at managing risks.
Physical Health: Children are much more active and develop core strength and coordination.
Well-being: Increased joy and happiness in school, as reported by children and staff alike.

Managing Risk: The RAPID Approach

At Prendergast Primary, we believe that children must be allowed to take calculated risks to develop resilience and self-reliance. We follow the RAPID risk management system:

R: Risk-benefit Assessment – We weigh the developmental benefits of an activity against the potential risks.
A: Assemblies – Children are coached in regular assemblies to negotiate safety rules and manage their own play.
P: Policy – A formal play policy guides our practices.
I: Inspections – Our site and equipment undergo daily visual checks and regular formal inspections.
D: Dynamic Risk Management – Our staff maintain active vigilance, intervening only when there is a clear likelihood of significant risk.

What Play Looks Like at Prendergast

Our playground is divided into several "zones" to meet diverse needs, including a popular mud area for "messy fun with a purpose" and a loose parts construction zone. Children have access to:

Fabricated Loose Parts: Crates, tyres, planks, and fabric for den building and engineering.
Natural Loose Parts: Sand, water, and soil for sensory exploration.
Wheeled Play: Scooters, bikes, and even suitcases.
Creative Zones: Areas for art, music, drama, and dressing up.

Inclusive Play for All

The OPAL approach promotes an inclusive environment where children of all ages, genders, and abilities—including those with SEND—can find places of rest, movement, or engagement. By providing multiple "on-ramps" to social participation, we ensure no child is isolated.

How You Can Help

Play is not "messing about"; it is the process that enables children to learn what cannot be taught. You can support us by:

Clothing: Ensuring your child has wellies and waterproof jackets/trousers in school every day so they can access the field and mud area year-round.
Donations: We are always looking for "loose parts" such as pots, pans, metal spoons, suitcases, plastic crates, and fabric.
Support: Celebrating the fact that your child might come home with a bit of mud on their knees as a sign of a great day of discovery.

Our OPAL Working Group