Clanfield Church of England Primary School

OPAL

At Clanfield CE Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality play opportunities every day. Play is an integral part of the school day and makes up around 20% of a child’s time in school;  the equivalent of approximately 1.4 years of their primary school life!

 

As a school, we recognise that play is a vital way for children to encounter, explore, and make sense of the world around them and their place within it. We believe the OPAL Programme fits perfectly with our school vision of being a “Place to Flourish” through:

  • Hope for the future
  • Compassion for all
  • Courage to face challenges

 

By developing individual talents and encouraging children to grow through play, we are helping every child flourish both socially and emotionally.

 

At Clanfield, all staff contribute time, energy, and creativity to ensure our environment, resources, and skills provide the richest and most fulfilling play opportunities possible during breaktimes and lunchtimes. Through this, we aim to highlight the strong connection between play, learning, development, health, and happiness.

 

Many of us remember our happiest childhood memories as being outdoors: climbing, building dens, exploring, creating, and imagining. OPAL gives us the opportunity to help create those same joyful memories for your children.

 

There are many proven benefits for schools taking part in the OPAL Programme, including:

  • Increased enjoyment of school
  • Improved behaviour
  • Fewer disputes between children
  • Less teaching time lost to resolving conflicts
  • Reduced accidents and incidents

 

Research also shows that children who play outdoors:

  • Are more physically active
  • Sleep better
  • Eat more healthily
  • Feel happier and more confident
  • Develop a greater care for the environment and the world around them

 

Earlier this year, we teamed up with OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), a non-profit school improvement programme that supports primary schools in permanently improving the quality of play opportunities for all children.

 

We have been working closely with our OPAL mentor, receiving training and support as we begin our OPAL journey. So far, we have gathered the views of staff, children, and parents to help us create the children’s dream playtimes.

 

We have already started collecting an exciting range of loose parts, natural materials, man-made resources, and creative play equipment — much of it generously donated by our school community. To start with, we also plan to introduce: a water play area, a sandpit area and a small world play area.

 

We are delighted to announce that our OPAL Launch Day will take place on Thursday 11 June. From this date, children will begin accessing the new play areas and resources.

 

Looking ahead, we have exciting plans to continue developing our outdoor environment over the summer holidays, ready for the children’s return in September 2026. OPAL is an ongoing programme, meaning our playtimes will continue to evolve, grow, and inspire our children for years to come.

 

We cannot wait to get started and see the many benefits OPAL will bring to our school community!

 

Play Policy

Please read our Play Policy here.