The Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Programme is the result of over 20 years of research and development in schools across Europe and North America. Carr Mill Primary School is proud to be part of this award-winning programme.

Our OPAL journey began with a commitment to improving play opportunities for all children. Through high-quality play experiences, children develop important skills such as resilience, creativity, cooperation, confidence and imagination, whilst enjoying active and engaging playtimes.

The OPAL programme is based on the belief that children learn through play as well as through teaching. As children spend around 20% of their school day at playtime, we are dedicated to making this time as meaningful, enriching and enjoyable as possible.

To find out more about the OPAL Primary Programme, please visit https://outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/, where you can find further information, resources and videos about the programme.

#teamcarrmill Play Charter

To help ensure that every child enjoys fun, inclusive and engaging playtimes, our children worked alongside staff to create our OPAL Play Charter.

The charter reminds us all how to play safely, respectfully and responsibly, so that everyone can enjoy the many opportunities OPAL play provides.

Our OPAL Play and Risk Management Policy

At Carr Mill Primary School, we understand that children learn and grow through challenge, exploration and play. Our Play and Risk Management Policy outlines how we provide exciting play opportunities while ensuring risks are assessed and managed appropriately.

This balanced approach helps children develop confidence, resilience and independence in a safe and supportive environment.

OPAL takes place in all weather conditions, so it is important that children are dressed appropriately for outdoor play throughout the year.

To help your child make the most of their playtime, please ensure they have a pair of wellies or outdoor trainers that can be kept in our welly sheds. Having suitable footwear available in school means that children can access all areas of our OPAL provision and enjoy outdoor play whatever the weather.

We also ask that children bring a waterproof coat to school every day, as playtimes will continue outdoors in light rain and changeable weather.

Please make sure that all footwear, coats and other belongings are clearly named. This helps us to quickly return items to their owners and ensures children can easily find their belongings when they need them.

We are always looking for loose parts and resources to enhance our OPAL play provision. If you have any items from the list that you no longer need, please consider donating them to school.

We would also be grateful if you could keep an eye on local social media pages and community groups for items that are being given away.

All donated items are carefully checked by staff to ensure they are suitable and safe for use before being introduced into our play environment.

If you'd like to get even more involved, why not join us at one of our OPAL Build Days and help transform donated resources into exciting play opportunities for our children?