OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning)
OPAL at Tarleton Community Primary School
OPAL is a hugely valued part of the school day at Tarleton Community Primary School. Both children and staff look forward to getting outside to play, explore and develop together.
We are committed to providing high-quality play opportunities for all our children and firmly believe that play is essential to every child’s physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual development. Many of our happiest childhood memories come from outdoor play – climbing trees, building dens and exploring the world around us. Through OPAL, we are proud to give those experiences to your children.
OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) uses natural and man-made resources to inspire creativity, imagination and collaboration during playtimes. It encourages children to lead their own play, take appropriate risks and develop independence in a safe, supportive environment.
Given the importance of play in children’s lives, alongside growing concerns about health, wellbeing and access to outdoor play spaces, OPAL offers significant benefits for children, parents, schools and the wider community. The OPAL Primary Programme supports schools in creating a positive cultural shift in how play is valued, planned for and supported.
With specialist guidance from our OPAL mentor, play is embedded into school policies and everyday practice. Clear principles and strategies help drive meaningful changes at playtimes, often resulting in transformational – and sometimes spectacular – outcomes, even in more challenging environments.
Through our OPAL provision, we meet children’s fundamental needs, leading to happier, more engaged pupils and improved behaviour during playtimes.
Come and join us on our OPAL journey!
