Belmont Community Primary School
OPAL
The Importance Of Play
Play is not messing about. It is the process evolution has developed to help children learn what cannot be taught, whilst also having fun. Children need certain things to be able to play, such as having things to play with; having clothes that they can play in and having a certain amount of freedom.
Childhood has changed over the last decade, with more children spending time online, and fewer playing outdoors with friends. Playtime is an important part of our school day, and for many children, one of the few times they have to play outside regularly with their friends and without devices.
Why Are We Introducing OPAL To Belmont?
To help ensure our children's play needs are met, we are excited to be taking part in The Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme, which is the result of over 20 years of testing and development in over 2000 schools around the world. It is based on the idea that, as well as learning through good teaching, children also learn when they play.
There are many proven benefits for children whose schools use the OPAL Primary Programme. They usually include: more enjoyment of school; less teaching time lost to disputes between children; fewer accidents and greatly improved behaviour.
How Will Lunchtimes Change?
As we improve play opportunities at lunchtimes, we ask for donations of equipment for the children, and you will notice it isn't like what would be seen as a 'normal' playtime. Children will use everyday objects along with specific toys, giving them an opportunity to play in a variety of ways, including being creative and using their imagination. Children may use more of the school site for more of the year, get a little messier, experience more challenge and uncertainty, and have greater freedom to choose where, how and with whom they play. The school will manage this through a risk-benefit approach, maintaining a safe enough environment while preserving the important benefits of play.
OPAL will support us for 18-24 months, and parents/carers will have the opportunity to meet the OPAL mentor at the school. If you would like to learn more about the OPAL Primary Programme, please visit the OPAL website (www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk), where you will find lots of useful information and several videos about the programme.
OPAL Bingo
OPAL Bingo is the format we will use for collecting items to support the growth of OPAL. We really need your support to collect as many resources as possible for the children to use, to make their lunchtime experience the best it can be.
We thank everyone for your support, which is much appreciated,
Mr Togher
OPAL Curricular Lead
How OPAL Bingo Works
- The OPAL Bingo Card will be sent out to all families and will include all the items we would like.
- Each class will have a copy of the Bingo Card and the first class to tick off everything on the Bingo Card will receive 10 minutes extra play. Five minutes will be awarded to other classes that fill their cards.
- Donations should be brought in at school pick-up time at the end of the school day.
- For KS1, items can be dropped off under the canopy on the playground, and for KS2, the drop-off point will be the Gazebo.
- Let an adult from your child's class know what you have dropped off so they can tick it off the Bingo Card!
- If you are unsure whether an item will be useful/wanted, please message Mr Togher (OPAL Curriculuar Lead), or your child’s class teacher on Dojo or speak to an adult in school. Your message will be passed on to Mr Togher or Senior Midday Supervisor, Mrs Harrison, to confirm if required.
- Items will be risk assessed and checked before they are put out for the children to use.
- Nearly all items will be of use, even if you may not think so at first. Any offers or contributions will be hugely appreciated.