OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) is highly valuable in our playground at Whinstone, enriching children’s play experiences and supporting our children’s overall development.
By providing a wide range of open-ended and natural play opportunities, OPAL encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It allows children to take risks in a safe environment, helping them build resilience and independence.
The OPAL approach at Whinstone Primary transforms playtimes into exciting and inclusive experiences, ensuring that all children, regardless of ability or background, can engage in meaningful, active, and imaginative play. This not only enhances their physical health but also nurtures their social, emotional, and cognitive growth, making the playground a key part of their learning journey.
Click on the OPAL logo (above) to go to the official OPAL website.
See below to read the reasoning behind our OPAL play….
OPAL PLAY TEAM
Since launching the OPAL play programme, our MDSAs have become the heart of our Play Team — a crucial, skilled, and highly valued group who bring our play vision to life every day. They lead and run the day‑to‑day OPAL provision across all play zones, ensuring children experience rich, inclusive, and joyful play. Their presence, judgement, and playwork practice keep our outdoor spaces safe, engaging, and full of opportunity, and their commitment has been central to the success of OPAL at Whinstone.
Mrs Godwin – Our Play Coordinator
Mr Syson
Mrs Donnelly and Miss Davies
Mrs Manning
Mrs Mallon and Alaaeldin
Miss Roberts and Miss Weller
Mrs Thomas
Mrs Mohammadi
Mrs Tomlinson
Miss Fellows
OPAL PUPIL PLAY LEADS
OPAL pupil play leads play a vital role in supporting our staff Play Team to create a fun, inclusive, and engaging outdoor environment at lunchtimes. As ambassadors for positive play, they help set up and run play zones, encourage other children to join in, and model friendly, respectful play behaviours. By assisting with resources, promoting unstructured and imaginative play, and helping other pupils feel confident and included, they strengthen the social fabric of the playground. Their leadership helps children develop cooperation, resilience, and creativity, making play a valued and enriching part of school life every day.
What does our OPAL look like in action?
