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OPAL
At Annesley Primary and Nursery School, we believe that play is an essential part of childhood and a valuable part of every child’s school experience. Through OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), we are developing exciting, inclusive and stimulating opportunities for children to explore, create, imagine, collaborate and enjoy their time outdoors.
Play occupies a significant part of children’s school lives. Across their primary years, children spend a considerable amount of time at play, making these moments an important opportunity to develop skills and experiences that support them well beyond the playground.
Our OPAL approach recognises that play is about much more than having fun. It helps children develop physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually. Through play, children learn to communicate, build friendships, solve problems, negotiate, overcome challenges and develop confidence in their own ideas and abilities.
At Annesley, we want every child to experience the freedom and enjoyment of outdoor play. By providing a varied range of spaces, natural materials and everyday resources, we encourage children to use their imagination, follow their interests and discover new possibilities. Whether they are building, exploring, inventing games, creating imaginary worlds or spending time with friends, children are given opportunities to shape their own play experiences.
We are committed to creating a play environment where every child feels welcome, valued and able to participate. Through OPAL, we aim to nurture independence, resilience, creativity and cooperation, helping our children grow into confident individuals who respect others and enjoy learning together.
Annesley Primary School - OPAL
Play Policy
At Annesley Primary and Nursery School, we recognise every child’s need and right to play. Our Play Policy reflects our commitment to providing high-quality play opportunities that are enjoyable, inclusive, engaging and beneficial to children’s development.
We believe that children benefit most when they have opportunities to direct their own play, make choices and explore their interests. Our approach therefore places children at the centre of their play experiences, allowing them to decide what to play, how to play and whom to play with, within clear and supportive boundaries.
At Annesley, play is valued as an important part of the school day in its own right. Through our OPAL provision, we aim to create happier, healthier and more engaging playtimes, supporting children’s wellbeing, relationships and personal development.
Types of Play
At Annesley Primary and Nursery School, we recognise that play takes many different forms. Children may move between several types of play during a single playtime, depending on their interests, the resources available and the people around them.
By providing opportunities for these different experiences, our OPAL approach encourages children to follow their curiosity, develop new skills and discover what they enjoy.
By offering varied resources, spaces and opportunities, we aim to make these different forms of play possible throughout our outdoor provision. Children are not expected to engage in every type of play, nor do these categories need to be kept separate. A single activity may combine several types, as children move, imagine, communicate, explore and create together.
Our aim is to give every child the time, space, freedom and support to discover their own interests, enjoy meaningful play and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
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