Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) at Cherry Burton Primary School

At Cherry Burton C of E Primary School, we believe that play is not an “extra” part of the day – it is childhood. It’s where friendships grow, confidence builds, imaginations spark, and children learn who they are. That’s why we are proud to be an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) school.

OPAL is a nationally recognised, award‑winning programme that helps schools transform playtimes to make them happier, healthier, and more imaginative. As OPAL says, “Better play equals better learning and better well‑being.”
This perfectly aligns with our Christian vision of giving every child the roots to grow and wings to fly.

Why OPAL?

We have always been a school built on warmth, nurture, inclusion and strong relationships. Our children feel valued, understood and cared for – and OPAL is a natural extension of that ethos.

Through OPAL, we are creating a play environment that:

• celebrates childhood and joy
• supports emotional well-being and self-regulation
• encourages independence and decision-making
• promotes creativity, problem-solving and collaboration
• includes all pupils, including those with additional or sensory needs
• strengthens friendships and social skills
• gives children real opportunities to be active, imaginative and outdoors in all seasons

OPAL’s approach recognises that play is essential for the whole child – physically, socially, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. This matches the heart of who we are as a school.

What OPAL Play Looks Like at Cherry Burton

Our school grounds are being transformed into a rich, dynamic landscape where children can:

• build, dig, construct and create using loose parts
• enjoy performance, role play and imaginative worlds
• climb, balance and take supported, healthy risks
• connect with nature in meaningful, hands-on ways
• explore quieter, sensory-friendly zones
• develop teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills
• experience wonder, curiosity and joy every day

Adults support play through warm, nurturing supervision – giving children freedom while ensuring safety and emotional security. As OPAL reminds us, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing!” so we encourage outdoor play all year round.

Inclusion at the Heart

Our OPAL journey champions the belief that every child has the right to play.  We carefully design zones so that all children – including those in The Ark and those with additional needs – can join in confidently and safely. We make sure there are:

• accessible physical spaces
• sensory-aware, low-stimulation areas
• predictable routines and clear visual cues
• opportunities for calm, reflection and emotional regulation

This ensures play is joyful, meaningful and inclusive for everyone.

Pupil Voice Leads the Way

At Cherry Burton, children are partners in shaping their school. OPAL play is continually refined through feedback from:

• Pupil Parliament
• ECO Club
• House Captains
• OPAL Play Detectives
• class discussions and informal conversations

Their ideas help us decide what to add next, how zones should evolve, and how we make play even better.

Our OPAL Journey

We are still early in our OPAL adventure, but already we can see the difference:

• Children are more active, more imaginative and more settled.
• Friendships are blossoming across ages.
• Behaviour at playtimes is calmer and more positive.
• Staff see increased confidence, resilience and independence.
• There is excitement and anticipation about what’s still to come!

Becoming an OPAL school is a long-term, whole-community commitment, and we are delighted to be building an outdoor play culture that reflects our values and strengthens our school family.

A Playground Filled With Possibility

We are incredibly proud of what OPAL is bringing to Cherry Burton. Our goal is simple:
happy children, engaged children, playing children – every day, in every season.

As OPAL says, “Play is not a break from learning. It is learning.”
And at Cherry Burton, our children are learning to explore, to connect, to imagine, to flourish – and to fly.