BBCET pupils discover the power of play

Playtime has had a makeover at one BBCET school, where the children can now enjoy a range of zoned outdoor activities designed to stimulate creativity, teamwork, and active play.

The Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) provision has been introduced at St Alban’s Catholic Primary by Headteacher Ciara Yeoman, with all age groups enjoying the new facilities.

“OPAL is a brand-new venture for St Alban’s this academic year, and we are in the early stages of implementation – but we’ve made a flying start!” said Mrs Yeoman.

“It was introduced as a key part of our school’s commitment to enriching the lunchtime experience, and developing the whole child through purposeful play.”

Established in 2011, OPAL is a mentor-supported programme that helps schools to improve the quality of their play provision.

“The OPAL approach ensures that unstructured lunchtimes become meaningful, engaging, and inclusive,” explained Mrs Yeoman. “There is always something for every child to do, supporting wellbeing, cooperation, creativity, and social development.

“All staff have received OPAL training, ensuring that every adult understands how to facilitate, support, and champion play across the school. This represents a major investment by St Alban’s in both our pupils’ development and in staff professional growth.”

Among the specially designed areas at St Alban’s are a sandpit for sensory and imaginative play; a table tennis table to encourage coordination and friendly competition; a small world zone for role-playing and story-telling; a Lego zone to promote construction and fine motor skills; a stage with dressing-up costumes for drama and performance; and a creativity zone, where children can explore art, design, and craft activities.

“All children across the school, from our youngest pupils in Early Years to our oldest in Year 6, now access OPAL play provision,” continued Mrs Yeoman.

“Every child has the opportunity to engage in high-quality, purposeful play every lunchtime. Our youngest pupils have particularly benefited from playing alongside older children, learning valuable play skills, and modelling effective, inclusive play.”

The success of the initiative means that family members and carers have been invited to share in the fun.

“Parent Play is part of our OPAL initiative and provides parents with the opportunity to experience first-hand the joy and value of play at St Alban’s,” added Mrs Yeoman.

“It allows families to join their children in our OPAL play zones, participate in a range of activities, and see the positive impact that play has on wellbeing, relationships and learning.

“Through play, children develop essential life skills, such as problem-solving, resilience, teamwork, and independence.

“It also contributes significantly to positive behaviour, relationships, and overall happiness at school.”