Beaconside Primary has been developing an Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) space to provide enjoyment, stimulate creativity and support children's physical and emotional development through rich, engaging outdoor experiences.

OPAL is based on the idea that, as well as learning through good teaching, children also learn when they play. As 20% of their time in school is playtime, we want to make sure that this amount of time (equivalent to 1.4 years of primary school) is as enriching, purposeful and joyful as possible.

Play is not messing about. It is the process evolution has come up with to enable children to learn all things that cannot be taught, while also having so much fun. There are certain things children must have in order to be able to play. These include:

1. clothes that they can play in.
2. things to play with.
3. a certain amount of freedom.

If you would like to learn more about the OPAL Primary Programme, please have a look at the OPAL website (www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk), where you will find lots of useful information and several videos about the programme.

We are constantly looking at ways this project can move forward and hope that you will support us in our efforts to improve playtime for all children.