Swarcliffe Primary School

What is OPAL?

OPAL stands for Outdoor Play and Learning. It is an award-winning school improvement programme that supports schools in improving the quality of play opportunities for all children. Rather than structured play only, OPAL encourages imaginative, child-led play using a variety of materials and environments.

Through OPAL, playtimes become:

• Inclusive for all children

• Creative and imaginative

• Active and engaging

• Safe while still allowing healthy risk-taking

Our OPAL Play Policy

Our full OPAL Play Policy is available for parents, carers, and visitors to read at any time. The policy explains how we support safe, inclusive, and high-quality play, as well as how we manage resources, supervision, and risk.

Meet Our Play Team

Our Play Team is a dedicated group of staff who help make playtimes exciting, safe, and full of opportunities for every child. As part of our commitment to the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme, they work hard to develop engaging play environments, introduce new resources, and support children in their play.

Our Play Team’s role includes:

• Setting up and organising play areas and equipment

• Encouraging inclusive and imaginative play

• Supporting children to solve problems and build friendships

• Ensuring play is safe while still allowing challenge and adventure

• Listening to pupil ideas and helping bring them to life

The team regularly meets to review playtimes, share ideas, and plan improvements. They also work closely with pupils, who help shape our play provision through suggestions and feedback.

OPAL in Action – Photo Gallery

• Teamwork in action

• Exploring and experimenting

• Imaginative role play

Our OPAL Play Charter

At our school, our Play Charter has been created by the children, for the children. As part of our commitment to the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) approach, pupils discussed what makes playtimes happy, fair, and enjoyable for everyone. Together, they agreed on five promises that guide how we play and treat each other outdoors.

Our Play Charter says:

• We are kind – we include others and use friendly words.

• We are respectful – we look after each other, our equipment, and our play spaces.

• We are hardworking – we try new things, stay engaged, and challenge ourselves.

• We are responsible – we tidy up, follow play rules, and make good choices.

• We are safe – our special OPAL value that reminds us to take care, assess risks, and play sensibly so everyone can enjoy themselves.

This charter is displayed in our playground and referred to during playtimes. It helps children take ownership of their behaviour and ensures that play remains positive, inclusive, and fun for all.