Four Warrington primary schools introduce OPAL Play

In October 2021, The Beam Trust embarked on a journey that set out to improve playtimes and create high quality play opportunities for its children.

In order to do this, Oughtrington Primary, Ravenbank Primary, Statham Primary and Thelwall Infant School implemented OPAL Play - an award-winning, mentor-supported school development project.

OPAL Play covers every aspect that schools need to consider to raise the calibre of their play activities proactively and sustainably.

Pupils playing after the OPAL programme has been introduced (Image: Supplied) It is the only initiative of its kind with independent proof of improving play quality in British primary schools over the long term.

At the heart of this programme is an understanding that where conditions are right children will create their own play.

OPAL is about maximising children’s time, space and permission for play.

At The Beam Trust this included allowing children freedom of movement across the entire school grounds (whatever the weather) and providing children with a diverse array of opportunities for play.

Over a period of 21 months, the curricular leads and play coordinators for each school endeavoured to radically change their school grounds by introducing mud kitchens, digging areas, sandpits, tree swings, water zones, tree climbing, wheeled play, performance stages and quiet areas to name just a few.

Pupils playing after the OPAL programme has been introduced (Image: Supplied) Play coordinator, Jo Brinksman from Oughtrington Primary has been a key part in the transformations at Oughtrington.

Referring to the programme, she said: “OPAL Play has made lunchtimes so much better for the children. They are so much happier, and I love using my creativity to make new zones for them.”

The children have also responded with lots of enthusiasm and appreciation.

"I love Opal Play, there's always so many different places to play. Last week I built a hotel with my friends, it took us ages," a Year 3 pupil from Ravenbank Primary School said.

When the children go back to class, they are ‘more content, involved, and eager to learn’.

Their capacity to assess hazards and to control their emotions has been ‘enhanced’. The children's physical prowess and growth attitudes have ‘strengthened, improving their mental well-being’.

Pupils playing after the OPAL programme has been introduced (Image: Supplied) Staff have reported fewer first aid incidents, less behavioural conflicts, and more openness to learn.

Lesley Sweeney, from Ravenbank Primary School added: "OPAL Play is one of the projects that I am most proud of during my career.

“You can feel the children's joy and sense of purpose at dinner time, and we have noticed a direct positive impact on children's resilience, mental health and wellbeing”.

Parents have also appreciated the benefits for their children that OPAL brings.

“The outdoor play opportunities at Statham Primary School continues to be one of the things we love most about the school,” a parent declared. 

“Thank you to the staff for the hard work and thought that goes into it. We really appreciate the opportunities it gives to our children.”

The efforts that each school has put into transforming their school grounds and implementing OPAL Play has been recognised and commended by the OPAL Play Team, with all The Beam Trust schools completing their accreditations and being awarded platinum status.

Each school continues their work in enhancing their play offer.