Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)

Six benefits of OPAL playtimes 1. Better physical and mental health Enjoyment is the single biggest factor in motivating children to be active (Sport England, March 2019). However, many children feel alienated by organised sports activities. OPAL is addressing the childhood inactivity crisis by making playtimes fun, active and inclusive. 2. Happier children Play is a fundamental human need and legally a human right. Children and staff at OPAL schools report feeling less stressed, happier, more confident and more excited about school. Improving playtimes is one of the easiest, most natural and most effective ways schools can support children’s mental health. 3. More teaching time Brilliant playtimes allow children to let off steam. Most OPAL schools report at least ten minutes more teaching time per teacher, with happier, more creative and well-exercised children who settle back into the classroom much more quickly. 4. Improved behaviour In most schools the objective for playtimes is just to get through them without too many fights, quarrels and accidents. OPAL schools report up to an 80% decrease in use of behaviour policies and a 90% drop in senior leadership time spent resolving playtime issues. 5. Faster core skills development Play is not only fun; it is critical to children’s development. Children at OPAL schools rapidly develop improved creativity, imagination, cooperation, resilience, stamina, literacy and confidence. 6. Inclusion OPAL's approach makes play better for every child, every day... no exceptions! We address the dominance of boys and footballs so that sports and play function harmoniously, meeting the activity needs of every child whatever their age, both genders. In our own research last year, supposedly ‘hard to reach’ Y5 & Y6 girls were found to be just as ‘moderately to vigorously active’ for 60+ mins each day as all other pupils are! The OPAL programme has had as much success in special needs schools as it has in mainstream.