At Phoenix Primary School, OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) plays a key role in supporting children’s personal development, wellbeing and behaviour. High-quality play provides children with opportunities to explore, create, cooperate and problem-solve in a safe and purposeful environment.

Through OPAL, children develop resilience by managing risk, overcoming challenges and persevering with ideas. Play encourages kindness and teamwork, as pupils negotiate rules, share resources and resolve disagreements. Children learn responsibility by caring for equipment, making choices and understanding boundaries, while ambition is nurtured as pupils take ownership of their play, develop creativity and extend their thinking.

OPAL supports positive behaviour by giving children the space and freedom to self-regulate, practise social skills and apply learning from PSHE and Thrive in real-life situations. These experiences help children to feel confident, connected and ready to learn, contributing positively to their overall development.

Check out a snapshot of our OPAL approach to playtimes!