The OPAL programme rationale is that “…better, more active and creative playtimes can mean happier and healthier children, and having happier, healthier, more active children usually results in a more positive attitude to learning in school, with more effective classroom lessons, less staff time spent resolving unnecessary behavioural problems, fewer playtime accidents, happier staff and a healthier attitude to life”.
At Nythe Primary School, we believe that play is not just a fun activity, it is a fundamental part of a child’s learning journey. That’s why we are proud to embrace OPAL play, an award-winning program that is transforming our large school site into vibrant spaces for exploration, imagination, and development.
OPAL stands for Outdoor Play and Learning, and it is built on the ethos that children learn best when they are actively engaged and challenged in an open-air environment. Through imaginative play, exploration, and collaboration, children develop a wealth of skills that directly contribute to our school’s Rights Respecting Curriculum. Our school’s ethos and values are expressed through our motto “Together may our feathers give us wings to soar”. This is lived out through our OPAL Play curriculum with children supported in living out our school values of strength, opportunity, aspiration and respect in many ways.
STRENGTH
Overcoming challenges and persisting through difficulties are natural part of OPAL play, fostering a growth mindset and a drive to succeed. OPAL play happens in all weathers and by embracing the outdoors, rain or shine, children’s physical and mental well-being is strengthened.
OPPORTUNITY
From planning and organisation to problem-solving and resourcefulness, OPAL play fosters the entrepreneurial spirit, giving children opportunities to develop valuable life skills.
ASPIRATION
OPAL provides children with the resources to encounter new play experiences which can develop the belief in children that they can achieve a goal by taking necessary actions.
RESPECT
Respect for our play charter and Article 31 – Every child has the right to play. OPAL encourages children to interact, negotiate, and share ideas as they build, explore and role-play together.
Our journey on the OPAL Play programme began in September 2024 and our provision is developing at pace.
Golden Welly Award
This award has been introduced alongside our OPAL play programme. The award is an opportunity to celebrate the children and their amazing play. Children can achieve this award by using our school values of strength, opportunity, aspiration and respect during play.
Each week, a member of the Opal play team will be selected to identify a child to win the award which will be displayed in their classroom for the week. The chosen child will also receive a housepoint and a certificate.
