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 Shirley Junior School, we have restricted grounds, however through using an OPAL approach to play, we can ensure that our children receive an excellent outdoor provision. This approach 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.
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
- Kerri Davie: Headteacher
- Dan Saunders: Curricular Lead for Play
- Rich Lomath: Play Co-ordinator
- Vicky Dickinson: Play Governor
- Angeline Dharmaraj-Savicks: Play Governor
- Kassandra Colley: Parent Play Champion