Cinnamon Brown primary lunchtimes transformed by Opal Play

As the whistle blows to signal the end of lunch, pupils are now ready to go back into class, calm, focused and ready to learn, thanks to the introduction of Opal Play, the head of Cinnamon Brow Primary says.

Showing us a glimpse of lunchtime at the school, head teacher of six years Rachel Pimblett walked us around to get a feel for how the introduction of this new form of play has truly reshaped the atmosphere of the playground.

Children playing in the mud kitchen (Image: NQ) The Opal Play programme works with schools to ensure that ‘every child in every school has an amazing hour of high-quality play every day’.

Schools like Cinnamon Brow are assigned an OPAL mentor that supports the setting over an 18-month period, and both culturally and practically transforms the way play is resourced, planned for and staffed.

Giving a better insight into the programme, Ms Pimblett said: “Opal work with you for two to three years in total to improve your outdoor provisions.

“The programme of play helps support children’s self-esteem, confidence and overall behaviour.”

Kids also play in the sand pit as well as in the forest area next to it tree climbing (Image: NQ) The head described how particularly the staff have seen a major improvement in behaviour on the playground since introducing Opal as the children channel their energy into practical play that they enjoy.

To provide a mental picture of how the playground is set out, it is almost divided into areas, with tonnes of different equipment and activities for pupils to explore during their hour of lunch.

“There is a quiet area, an area for fixing things like taking apart circuit boards and putting them back together,” Ms Pimblett said. “As well as a disco area with music playing all through lunchtime and a place for children to dress up in costumes.

“Children make dens, clamber up things and explore.”

Children also play with recycled items including plastic tubes (Image: NQ)

While the uplifting music played from the speakers already creates a positive atmosphere in the school grounds, the vision of children playing with objects including recycled car tyres, kitchens, plastic crates and other raw materials in a carefree way is quite a sight.

The head, along with the main two Opal lead coordinators, Georgia Ozanna and Cathy Wareing, wander the playground and supervise the playtime – something they enjoy and look forward to each day.

Here these pupils are playing with recycled car tyres and crates (Image: NQ) “Before Opal we had 90 children on this playground, and they did not know what to do or how to play. Now they make their own play. This is my favourite part of the day, its lovely seeing children being children and having fun,” she added.

Also, within the large school grounds, the new play includes fun in the school’s new sand pit, a stage set up with a microphone and speakers so children can enjoy performing to their peers, a mud kitchen for those that like to get messy, and an area assigned to tree climbing and rope swings.

And for those interested in sports, the school also employ a sports coach who coordinates different sports sessions during lunchtimes.

Some roll each other down hills while others perform for each other on stage (Image: NQ) Cathy, the main play lead, spoke about what she loves most about Opal Play. She said: “I love seeing the mixed age groups play so well with each other and enjoy playing.

“The older kids seem to take the younger ones under their wings, and we come out here rain or shine.”

Opal provides every school that pays or has funding for the programme with an Opal score and award at the end of the 18-month period to rate how well the programme of play is being facilitated.

Levels of awards given include silver, gold and platinum.

Play leads Georgia Ozanna and Cathy Wareing proudly holding the Opal certificate (Image: NQ) Cinnamon Brow achieved a significantly high score of 96 per cent and were awarded platinum.

Also speaking on how the programme has transformed lunchtimes at the school, play lead Georgia said: “I started off here in Covid when it was one hour per class at lunchtime.

“Now we have different classes mix and I think it is a very magical atmosphere.

“The kids know the routine and what is in which area. And our reception playground has a similar version of this but on a smaller scale so when they move up to year one, they are ready to enjoy it in its full scale.

“You really see some of the kids shining.”

Tree climbers playing in the wooded area of the playground (Image: NQ)