OPAL
What is OPAL?
As a school, we are delighted to be taking part in the OPAL programme. OPAL stands for Outdoor Play And Learning. It is a mentor-supported school improvement programme that acknowledges the importance of play to children’s learning. It recognises the benefits of play on children’s social, physical and emotional wellbeing.
At South Wonston, we are very lucky to have extensive grounds that help facilitate a range of play opportunities. These allow children to explore, create, investigate, socialise, challenge and most importantly, enjoy their playtime.
20% of children’s time at school is spent at playtime. Therefore, we believe it is essential that we optimise this time to ensure that quality play opportunities are available to all children.
OPAL assemblies allow children time to celebrate their play. Through these assemblies we can introduce new areas and resources to the whole school. We negotiate the best way to use the equipment safely to ensure we all have happy playtimes.
Opal Play Charter
The children have helped to develop a play charter which recognises every child’s right to play and how we can support each other with this.
So what will this bring to our school?
- Happy children
- Children who are ready to learn
- More resilient children who rise to challenges
- Inclusive play times where all children follow their interests and play styles
- Curious children who ask What if…? I wonder…? And Why…?
- Positive behaviour and children who are supportive of one another
And of course...
- Really fun playtimes!
Our Team
Curricular Lead of Play
Play Coordinator
Headteacher
Nikki Linton - Governor and steering group member
Siobhan Westbrook - Parent steering group member
Recent Updates
We have added incredible resources to our OPAL offering. This includes a giant sandpit, where it is fantastic to see all children from Year R to Year 6 working together to create sand tunnels, dig for treasure and imagine they are on a beach. In the mud kitchen, children have been busy baking and frying delicious "pancakes." We have also introduced table tennis and basketball, including the provision of basketball hoops suitable for KS1 children. On the field, many children enjoy dressing up and performing on our stage, climbing trees, exploring and digging using tools on the construction site, and whizzing along on our tuktuks and rickshaws.
