OPAL Transforming Schools Through the Power of Play
We’re not just talking about smoother playtimes or slightly happier children. We’re talking about a profound, lasting cultural transformation, one that reshapes the very fabric of school life.
Play is not a luxury. It’s a fundamental human need, essential to every child’s physical health, mental wellbeing, social development, and emotional resilience. When schools embrace play as a core part of their ethos, not just a break from learning, but a vital form of learning itself, everything changes. At St Margaret's we are proud to be apart of the Opal Programme!
What is Opal?
The OPAL Primary Programme blends elements of strategic school improvement practice, action planning, self-evaluation, playwork skills and knowledge, and 20 years of action-research.
That’s where OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) comes in.
Why OPAL Matters
- Whole school transformation: OPAL isn’t a quick fix. It’s a strategic, long-term programme that embeds play into the heart of school culture.
- Wellbeing at the core: When play is prioritised, children thrive - physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively.
- Equity and inclusion: Every child deserves access to high-quality play, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance.
- Joy and fulfilment: Play is a unique source of happiness and creativity. It’s how children explore, connect, and grow.
What OPAL Offers
- A structured, evidence-based framework to improve play across the entire school.
- Support for staff to rethink playtimes, environments, and attitudes.
- Tools to create inclusive, engaging, and adventurous play spaces.
- A shift in mindset: from managing behaviour to nurturing wellbeing.
The Impact
Once you’ve seen what OPAL can do, it’s hard to imagine being a school without it. Schools that adopt OPAL report:
- Dramatic improvements in behaviour, engagement, and relationships.
- Richer, more creative play experiences for all children.
- A renewed sense of community and purpose.
Our Vision
We want St Margaret's to have a plan for play. Not as an afterthought, but as a right, as vital as literacy, numeracy, or safeguarding. Because when play is done well, it doesn’t just change playtimes. It changes lives.
Were enjoying our OPAL journey and we want to transform our school, out staff, and most importantly our children!
At St Margaret’s, play isn’t just a break from learning - it’s a vital part of how children grow, connect, and thrive. Our approach to play is bold, joyful, and deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves rich, meaningful experiences every single day.
At St Margaret's, our play looks like:
Loose parts that spark creativity and endless possibilities
Den building that turns teamwork into magical hideaways
Hole digging where curiosity meets muddy hands and big discoveries
Water fun that brings laughter, splashes, and sensory delight
Tree climbing that builds confidence and a love for nature
Scooter riding that fuels movement, freedom, and exhilaration
Climbing frames that challenge bodies and minds
Forest school that deepens connection to the outdoors and each other
Mud kitchens that stir up imagination and messy joy
Dressing up that unlocks storytelling, role play, and boundless imagination
This is play with purpose. It’s how we nurture resilience, creativity, and wellbeing. It’s how we build a school culture where children feel free, fulfilled, and truly seen.
At St Margaret’s, play is not an afterthought — it’s a cornerstone of childhood. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Our play leaders for 2025 - 2026
Our Play Charter
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