OPAL Play at Phoenix

At Phoenix infant school, we’re excited to be a part of OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), a programme to enrich the play experiences of all our children. OPAL is about more than just playtime — it’s about creating an environment where children can explore, imagine, and enjoy outdoor play in a safe, stimulating, and supportive setting.

What is OPAL?

OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) transforms the school playground into a vibrant, inviting place filled with opportunities to climb, dig, build, balance, explore, create, race, and rest. It’s child-led, inclusive, and encourages risk-taking in a managed way — giving children real freedom and responsibility to play.

Why We’re Introducing OPAL

• To boost children’s happiness, health, and wellbeing through more active, imaginative, and unstructured outdoor play.

• To cultivate social skills, resilience, teamwork, and creativity as children problem-solve and invent games together.

• To encourage independence and responsibility, by giving children the choice and ownership of their outdoor environment.

• To support learning and development, with benefits for concentration, communication, physical development, and emotional wellbeing.

• To promote equity in play, ensuring all children — regardless of ability or background — have access to rich, meaningful play experiences.

• At Phoenix, we know that play is a huge part of every child’s day, yet many children today don’t get as much time outdoors as they need. OPAL gives us the opportunity to make playtimes longer, more active, and more meaningful for every child.

What You Can Expect

• Our school grounds will gradually be enhanced with loose parts, natural materials, and diverse play zones.

• Playtime will become more flexible, child-led, and playful, balancing safety with freedom and challenge.

• Staff will be trained to observe, support, and encourage play rather than direct every activity.

• We’ll engage with children, families, and the community to shape our play environment, gather ideas, and celebrate creativity.

• Over time, we’ll monitor and share how play is impacting children’s learning, behaviour, and wellbeing.

We can’t wait to bring OPAL Play to life here at Phoenix — and we look forward to working with you to create a joyful, inclusive, and adventurous play environment. Watch this space for updates, photos, and opportunities to get involved!