At St Mark’s CE Primary School, we recognise that play is a vital part of children’s development and wellbeing. Outdoor play provides children with opportunities to develop their creativity, independence, resilience, problem-solving skills and ability to build positive relationships with others.

To further enhance the quality of play experiences we provide, we have embraced Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL), an award-winning, mentor-supported school improvement programme designed to transform children’s experiences during playtimes. OPAL is a proven approach that supports primary schools to strategically and sustainably improve the quality, variety and inclusivity of their outdoor play opportunities.

Through working with specialist OPAL mentors, schools develop a whole-school approach that places play at the heart of children’s daily experiences. This involves reviewing the environment, resources, routines, expectations and policies that shape play, ensuring that children have access to rich, engaging and meaningful opportunities.

At St Mark’s, OPAL supports our commitment to providing an environment where children can flourish beyond the classroom. Through carefully planned changes to our play provision, we aim to create spaces where children can explore, collaborate, take appropriate risks, develop independence and learn important life skills. By investing in high-quality play, we are helping children to grow socially, emotionally and physically, while strengthening the sense of community that is central to our school vision of Loving, Growing and Succeeding Together.