OPAL - Outdoor Play and Learning
Our OPAL Journey
At Russells Hall, we believe play and learning go hand-in-hand: positive play experiences enhance a child’s emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. Playtimes take up 20% of a child’s day in school and provide opportunities for children to learn all the things that cannot be taught: socialisation, co-operation, coordination, resilience, creativity, imagination and negotiation. Our best childhood memories are often those from when we played outside with friends, exploring and having fun.
Back in 2021, we embarked on an incredibly exciting project with play experts OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), who supported us as we transformed the lunchtime play experience for all of our pupils at Russells Hall. The OPAL approach fosters a more inclusive play environment where every child can explore and express themselves. Whether they’re dancing to music, rolling tyres, digging in the giant sandpit, engaging in imaginative play, or creating culinary masterpieces in the mud kitchen, OPAL provides a vibrant alternative to traditional playground activities. This approach not only encourages children to be more active during lunch and break times, but also helps them develop important life skills and most importantly, to enjoy lunchtime play!
In 2023, after much planning and hard work by the team, we were thrilled to receive an OPAL Platinum Award, with a score of 98%! Our achievement of the highest accolade available, put us in the top 1% of all schools nationally for the quality of our lunchtime play. We are beyond proud that our pupils have the opportunity to experience exceptional play every day.
Feedback from our OPAL Mentor:What an absolute pleasure it was to see your play offer today. The children at Russells Hall now have the opportunity to play freely in a variety of ways, to let their imaginations run wild and to have complete autonomy over their wonderful adventures at playtimes. As a team, you have completely embedded the value of play and a child-led approach into your school culture. The children at Russells Hall Primary now feel a sense of ownership over their play environment, their voices are strong and respected, and they feel that their requests are listened to and acted upon. With the variety of incredible play opportunities now available, and many more in the pipeline, I am so proud that you have achieved the Platinum Standard for OPAL play, the highest accolade available, putting you in the top 1% of all schools nationally with the quality of your play provision. |
So what does playtime look like at Russells Hall...
OPAL Developments
Please see the links below for more information about OPAL and play at Russells Hall.
Russells Hall Play Policy
OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning