Welcome to Opal
We are your OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) leaders in school, Miss Wilson and Miss Reilly. We are incredibly passionate about creating opportunities for our children to make the most of their lunchtimes, by exploring, creating and collaborating on our wonderful school grounds.
Since 2023, our school has embarked on a journey to improve outdoor play for our pupils, providing a stimulating outdoor space which can be enjoyed by all. Through the introduction of OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), we have challenged our pupils to play creatively, think critically and throw themselves into challenges in our many vibrant areas on our yards and in our grass areas.
We like to keep stakeholders as informed as possible, when it comes to OPAL. Please find out how outdoor play is developing in school by reading our most recent newsletters:
OPAL Documents
Parent Feedback
Since launching OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), the playground at St Peter and St Paul’s has become a space where every child can thrive, explore, and enjoy purposeful play. Our parents have enthusiastically shared how the different zones such as the mud kitchen, sand and water play, sports area, loose parts construction, den-building, quiet zone, and creative spaces all have positively impacted their children’s development and happiness at school.
Here’s what parents from every year group are saying:
Year 1
“My son is always full of stories about the things he builds at lunchtime. The den zone has given him a real sense of pride.”
“The creative zone is where my daughter loves spending time. Drawing, chalk art, and storytelling it’s her happy place.”
“I love that the quiet zone is available. Sometimes he needs a bit of space, and this has helped him regulate himself.”
Year 2
“The imaginative games they create in the loose parts area are brilliant. My daughter has become so much more independent.”
“My son is very physical, and the sports zone is just what he needs. It burns energy and teaches teamwork.”
“I’ve seen such a change in her confidence. She’s now one of the leaders in group games, especially in the den-building zone.”
Year 3
“He talks about the tyres, crates, and planks all the time. He’s constantly creating new inventions—it’s fantastic!”
“My daughter enjoys being in the water and sand zone.”
“The mix of active and quiet zones is perfect. It allows my son to choose how he wants to spend his lunchtime, and that freedom has been empowering.”
Year 4
“My son has made new friends through team games in the sports zone. It’s helped him feel more connected to school.”
“She’s become really creative thanks to the loose parts zone. The things she builds are so imaginative, and she’s proud to show them off.”
Year 5
“My son loves helping younger children build dens. It’s given him a sense of leadership and responsibility.”
“The creative zone has been great for my daughter. She’s able to express herself through drawing and crafts it’s really boosted her confidence.”
“The mix of nature, open-ended play, and teamwork is exactly what children need. The OPAL setup is fantastic.”
Year 6
“At first I thought he’d grow out of play, but OPAL has kept him engaged. He especially enjoys leading games in the sports area.”
“OPAL has brought out a different side of him he’s taken initiative, supported younger children, and shown real creativity in the construction zone.”
Conclusion
Across the year groups, parents are consistently seeing positive changes: increased confidence, better friendships, more imaginative play, and a deeper love for school life. The OPAL zones provide variety, structure, and freedom, making every break time a chance to learn, grow, and have fun. Our school community is thriving and OPAL is at the heart of that transformation.
