OPAL Play at Pilgrim Academy
At Pilgrim Academy, we believe childhood should be joyful, active and full of opportunity.
We are therefore incredibly proud to be a fully launched OPAL school, transforming our playtimes into rich, inclusive and inspiring experiences for every child.
OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) is a nationally recognised programme developed by Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL). It is built on over 20 years of research into how high-quality play improves children's physical health, emotional wellbeing and social development.
At Pilgrim Academy, we recognise that play is not simply a break from learning; it is an essential part of it.
What is OPAL?
The OPAL approach enhances opportunities for:
- Socialisation and cooperation
- Physical activity and coordination
- Creativity and imagination
- Resilience and confidence
- Enjoyment and wellbeing
By developing our outdoor spaces and providing open-ended resources, we ensure every child has access to meaningful, varied and exciting play experiences every day.
What OPAL looks like at Pilgrim Academy
Our playground has become a vibrant, integrated space where children from different year groups can play together, explore freely and form new friendships.
During playtimes and lunchtimes, children have the opportunity to be creative, active and imaginative in their play. They can work together to build and create, invent games, explore the outdoor environment and enjoy open spaces with their friends.
One Year 2 pupil shared: "I like being able to make a den with my friends." - Megan Dolby
Children are encouraged to use their imagination, collaborate with others and take safe risks in their play. This freedom allows pupils to develop independence, teamwork and problem-solving skills in a natural and enjoyable way.
Year 4 pupil Ethan explained how the new play opportunities inspire creativity:
"I built a castle! It is better having more useful things to play with." - Ethan Griffiths
There is a real buzz around lunchtime — and most importantly, a real sense of happiness across the playground. As one Year 6 pupil described:
"There are a lot more children that are happier at lunch with more things to play with." - Annalise Taylor
Our Play Team
At lunchtime, our trained playworkers support children across the playground and indoor areas. Their role is to:
- Encourage inclusive play
- Support safe risk-taking
- Help children resolve minor conflicts independently
- Ensure every child feels secure and valued
Adults are present to enable play, not control it — empowering children to take ownership of their experiences and develop essential life skills.
The Impact of OPAL
Since launching OPAL at Pilgrim Academy, we have already seen the positive impact that high-quality play can have on our pupils.
Children are more active, more engaged with their peers and developing stronger friendships across year groups. Opportunities for imaginative and collaborative play help pupils to build resilience, communication skills and confidence.
For many pupils, simply having the freedom to explore different ways to play has made a big difference. As one Year 5 pupil said:
"It is good fun to play with the tyres. I like building forts!" - Roman Brown
Another pupil highlighted how the changes have improved the atmosphere during playtimes:
"There is less arguments and less fighting… because there's things to do outside now."
These experiences help children return to the classroom feeling refreshed, focused and ready to learn.
A Message from Our Leadership Team
We have seen a huge improvement in lunchtimes. The environment feels calmer and the children are busy playing with different things linked with what they enjoy. We have seen some fantastic team work and the older children helping the younger children. The play ambassadors are driving forwards new ideas and are keen to keep developing OPAL. It has been amazing!
Working Together
OPAL is a community approach. We welcome support from families, whether through donations of suitable loose parts or ensuring children come to school prepared for outdoor play in all weathers.
Together, we are creating a play environment that reflects our belief that every child deserves a rich, happy and fulfilling childhood.
For more information about the OPAL programme, please visit the Outdoor Play and Learning website.