An introduction to OPAL
“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.”
Kay Redfield Jamieson – Psychologist
At Monkfield Park we really believe in the necessity of play. It allows our children to be prepared for the unexpected, to be creative, to build healthy bodies and minds and to make sense of the world around them. Over the past two years, we have been on a journey with the OPAL project to make lunchtimes at Monkfield Park as interesting and exciting as possible, giving every child the opportunity to stretch their bodies and let their imaginations soar.
What is OPAL?
Monkfield Park is part of the award-winning OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Primary Programme which helps schools to improve children’s play experiences. In this digital age, we want our children to spend as much time playing as they do in lessons, learning about the curriculum. We recognise the importance of providing high quality play experience every day for every child.
Since beginning our OPAL journey we have introduced:
- A wider range of places to play across the school site.
- A greater range of things to play and create with e.g., large loose parts and water.
- A risk benefit approach so that children learn to assess risk and take risks in the safest way possible.
- High quality training for staff to ensure they enhance the children’s play experiences.
- Play afternoons for parents and carers to join their children in play.
What benefits will OPAL have for my child?
Research has shown that children who access the OPAL programme make deeper friendships, concentrate and behave better in class, and have less time off sick. Most importantly, they are happier!
What does my child need?
To gain the maximum benefit from the OPAL programme, the children will be playing outside in all weather conditions, except during thunderstorms and high winds when playtime may be adjusted or brought indoors.
The children will need to be warm, dry and comfortable, with the right clothing for all kinds of weather.
In winter, they need:
- wellingtons or waterproof shoes/boots
- a waterproof (not ‘showerproof’) coat
- waterproof trousers if possible
- hat, scarf and gloves
- a named change of clothes to keep in school (including socks). This is especially important for younger children.
In summer, they need:
- wellingtons or waterproof shoes / boots
- a waterproof (not ‘showerproof’) coat
- hat
- sun cream
- a named change of clothes to keep in school (including socks). This is especially important for younger children.