OPAL

We strongly believe that: “Play is freely chosen, personally directed, intrinsically motivated behaviour that actively engages the child. Play can be fun or serious. Through play children explore social, material and imaginary worlds and their relationship with them, elaborating all the while a flexible range of responses to the challenges they encounter. By playing, children learn and develop as individuals, and as members of the community.” (Children’s Play Council 2001).

OPAL at Beeston Primary School

At Beeston Primary School we believe that play is a vital part of a child’s development. That is why we have adopted the OPAL Play, an award-winning programme that helps schools improve the quality of outdoor play opportunities for children. 

OPAL stands for Outdoor Play and Learning and focuses on transforming lunchtime so that children have the opportunity to explore, create, imagine and work together in a safe and stimulating outdoor environment. 

The benefits of high-quality play for children’s personal development, wellbeing and learning are widely recognised. The recently published Plan for Play  report highlights the importance of giving children greater opportunities to play both in school and beyond. With increasing concerns around children’s mental health and physical wellbeing, it is more important than ever to provide time and space for active, creative and social play. For many children, break times offer a valuable opportunity to express themselves, build relationships and enjoy the freedom to play. 

Some quotes from the early stages of OPAL: 

"This is the best school ever!" - Year One pupil  

I can't believe it! He has asked if we can drive to school so we can get there even quicker to go and play and see the tyres. This is the kid that I had to push into school a few weeks ago as he was so anxious. - Year Three parent

During lunchtime, children at Beeston Primary have access to a wide range of exciting play opportunities across the school grounds. These include areas such as: a mud kitchen, swings, tree climbing, a large sand pit, a large construction area with loose parts, a wheels section for scooting etc., a craft area for creative activities and a digging area for exploration. These opportunities allow pupils to explore their interests, develop creativity and collaborate with others through play. A key strength of the OPAL approach is that all children can access and enjoy the opportunities available, regardless of age, ability or background. Children are encouraged to make their own choices, take appropriate risks and develop independence while being supported by staff. Children have regular play assemblies where they celebrate good play, innovate the playground provision, learn about risk and risk management and have input into risk benefit assessments for new areas of play.

Pupil feedback about OPAL has been extremely positive. Children regularly tell us how much they enjoy lunchtime and how the wide range of activities allows them to play in ways that are fun, imaginative and active. OPAL supports the development of important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, communication and problem solving, while also promoting physical activity, wellbeing and happiness.

OPAL

Pupil feedback about OPAL has been extremely positive. Children regularly tell us how much they enjoy lunchtime and how the wide range of activities allows them to play in ways that are fun, imaginative and active. 

OPAL supports the development of important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, communication and problem solving, while also promoting physical activity, wellbeing and happiness. 

At Beeston Primary we are incredibly proud of the positive impact OPAL has had on our school community and the enjoyment it brings to pupils every day!!

“This is brilliant, I love to play with other year groups. The amount of sections and equipment that came with OPAL is amazing!” - Year 6 pupil

“It is fun to play with things like scooters, the sandpit and with other year groups.”  - Year 6 pupil

“OPAL is fun, the mud kitchen in KS1 is fun, especially the swings!” - Year 4 pupil

 “OPAL is nice and fun, I love playing on the big playgrounds.” - Year 2 pupil

“OPAL is good because the bigger children can play with siblings and younger children.”  - Play Team Member

"I love to see all the children playing in the mud cause you know they have had fun using the new OPAL areas!” - Inclusion Staff Member

“I feel OPAL has really helped children gain confidence and make new friendship groups.” - Play Team member

Growth Mindset Week:

During Growth Mindset week (w/c 9th February 2026), we launched our outdoor classroom with children being invited to take part in Bushcraft Activities.

The children were excited to take part in the outdoor activities which were led by experts from Herd Farm Activity Centre.

Fire Pit Risk Assessment