Opal Play
At St. Joseph’s School, we recognise that play is a vital and memorable part of childhood. It should be fun, meaningful and full of happy memories. Through our commitment to OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), we aim to provide high-quality play opportunities that enrich children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. As part of our commitment to this approach, we are continually developing the environment and resources available for pupils to play with.
Guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly the right to play (Article 31), the right to be healthy (Article 24) and the right to be heard (Article 12), we value play as a vital part of childhood and are committed to providing outdoor environments that support wellbeing, independence, positive relationships and lifelong memories. Through purposeful, child‑led play, we nurture confident, resilient pupils within a caring and supportive school community.
At our school this means:
· An inclusive playtime offer
· Opportunities to be creative
· Increased resilience
· Improved social skills
· Happy children
· Children that return to the classroom calmer, happier, more focused and ready to learn
What is Opal Play?
OPAL stands for Outdoor Play and Learning. Their mission statement is, "To ensure that every schoolchild has an amazing playtime every day with no exceptions."
