Welcome to OPAL at Green Lane Primary Academy

Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) is an award-winning programme that supports schools in improving the quality of play for all children. Rooted in research and best practice, OPAL recognises that play is not just a break from learning, but a vital part of children’s physical, social and emotional development.

At our school, we began our OPAL journey in April 2026 with a clear vision: to create richer, more engaging play experiences for every child. As a large primary school, we understand the importance of ensuring that all pupils have access to inclusive, stimulating environments where they can explore, create, take risks, and develop independence.

OPAL is based on the idea that high-quality play opportunities can have a significant impact on children’s wellbeing, behaviour, and readiness to learn. Through this programme, we are transforming our outdoor spaces and playtimes, moving beyond traditional playground models to provide a wide variety of activities. These may include opportunities for imaginative play, construction, physical activity, and social interaction.

The OPAL programme rationale is that “…better, more active and creative playtimes can mean happier and healthier children, and having happier, healthier, more active children usually results in a more positive attitude to learning in school, with more effective classroom lessons, less staff time spent resolving unnecessary behavioural problems, fewer playtime accidents, happier staff and a healthier attitude to life”. 

Our OPAL journey is a whole-school approach. Staff, pupils, and the wider school community all play an important role in shaping our play environment. We are gradually introducing new resources, redesigning areas of our grounds, and listening to pupil voice to ensure that playtimes are enjoyable, meaningful, and accessible for all.

We are excited about the positive changes OPAL is bringing to our school and look forward to continuing to develop our outdoor provision over the coming months and years.

For more information about the OPAL programme, please click below to visit the OPAL website.