OPAL Play

To ensure our children get the most from their breaktimes, we work in partnership with OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) – an award‑winning school improvement programme that helps schools develop rich, inclusive and sustainable play opportunities.

We believe play allows children to explore the world around them, develop independence and build strong relationships. Through OPAL, we aim to make breaktimes and lunchtimes purposeful, joyful and full of opportunity, supporting learning, wellbeing and positive behaviour.

Our school grounds are divided into a range of play zones, and children are free to choose where, how and with whom they play. They enjoy imaginative, active and creative play using a wide variety of resources, including den building, mud kitchens, music, chalks, dressing up and small‑world play.

The impact of OPAL has been extremely positive. Children are happier, more active and more engaged, while behaviour and relationships continue to improve. Our outdoor areas are regularly developed, and each month we hold a Play Assembly to celebrate success, introduce new resources and involve children in shaping their play spaces.

Here at Grange CE Primary School,  we are committed to ensuring quality play opportunities are available to all our children. It has long been recognised that play is fundamental to a child’s health, happiness, development and well-being. Play is an integral part of the school day and, on average, takes up 20% of a child’s time in school: around 1.4 years of their primary school life!