What is OPAL?
Research has shown that children spend 20% of their time in school playing. Here at Pelton, we have adopted the OAPL (Outdoor play and learning) programme to ensure that all children use this time to their full potential. OPAL is built on the philosophy that all children should have an inclusive play environment which promotes imaginative play, risk taking and team work. Our children love the new outdoor opportunities that OPAL offers with so much more for them to do, no matter the weather!
Through this approach to play children are not only more active at lunch or break times, but they are also having the opportunity to further develop life skills such as cooperation, team work and problem solving. They are becoming motivated and enthusiastic builders, engineers, explorers and designers.
We are very lucky to have such extensive grounds in our school and OPAL has ensured that they are being used to the best of their ability.
Take a look at some of our amazing areas available to the children:
Mud Kitchen
Rockery
Cabin
Bushes and Willows
Golden Welly Award
The Golden Welly award has been introduced as an opportunity to celebrate the children and their amazing play. Children can achieve this award for using their initiative during play, outstanding behaviour, being a kind friend or showing good sportsmanship. Each week, a member of the Opal play team will be selected to identify a child to win the award. This child is then presented the Golden Welly in a special mention assembly.
OPAL after School Club
Following the success of OPAL during lunch and break times, we are now offering an OPAL afterschool club. This is a fantastic opportunity for children to access areas in a smaller group setting to build resilience and confidence. The after school club often work hard at ensuring our areas are up to scratch and support in developing new areas.
Look at the fun we have been having!
OPAL Parents Stay and Play
We recently invited our parents into school to witness our OPAL Play times in action. It was a huge success and both children and adults had an amazing time exploring the school grounds.
What our parents think:
“I think My child’s confidence has grown since OPAL. When we used to go to the park he wouldn’t go on anything.”
“I think this is brilliant, more stuff than I realised was here.”
“I think its great. Its good to see how we can help contribute to further develop it.”
“Its like being a kid again. Its just missing a bouncy castle and a slide!”
“Its creative. The children all look happy.”
“This is life changing.”
“Its like back in the day when we would run free and be yourself, be creative.”
“Everyday its like this in here? I cant believe it!”
“I think we might have to get tubes for our garden now.”
