OPAL

OPAL

At Drapers’ Pyrgo Priory School, we are lucky to be part of the Outdoor Play And Learning programme, known as OPAL. This is all about active play outdoors which enables us to use our creativity and improve our physical and social skills.

Lunchtime

Did you know that playtime is about 20% of every child’s day at school? That’s 1.4 years of every child’s life while they are at primary school. It is also, for many children, the only time they have to play outside regularly. Playing outdoors in rich play environments is one of the best ways for children to develop social skills, build resilience, make more friends, be more creative and care more about the planet. 

Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)

OPAL is an integral part of the day at Drapers' Pyrgo Primary School with children taking part in OPAL activities every lunchtime. OPAL is endorsed and supported by Sport England and runs in hundreds of schools across the UK and worldwide. You can watch a video of how the OPAL programme has helped transform school playtimes here and read more on the OPAL website.

Drapers’ Pyrgo Play Charter

 We have the right to play and enjoy OPAL 

 We have the responsibility to make sure that everyone enjoys playtime by making sure:  

  • Everyone chooses what to play. 

  • We share equipment fairly and kindly. 

  • We take care of equipment. 

  • We report damaged equipment. 

  • We treat each other how we like to be treated. 

  • We keep everyone safe. 

  • We are kind to others. 

  • We help others if they need it. 

  • We allow people to join in games. 

  • We ask grownups if we need help to sort out our problems. 

  • We listen to one another. 

  • We have fun!

Risk-taking 

Risk-taking is an essential feature of play provision, and of all environments in which children legitimately spend time at play. Play provision aims to offer children the chance to encounter acceptable risks as part of a stimulating, challenging and managed play environment. In the words of the play sector publication ‘Best Play’, play provision should aim to ‘manage the balance between the need to offer risk and the need to keep children and young people safe from harm’.

In addition to standard risk-benefit assessments the school will practise dynamic risk management with children, encouraging them to identify and manage risks in an environment where adults are present to support them.