OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) is a research-backed UK school improvement programme designed to transform the quality of children’s play times. Because children spend 20% of their school time playing, OPAL helps schools use everyday materials and natural environments to promote active, creative, and inclusive play.

Key details of the programme include:

• What They Do: The programme uses unstructured play with loose parts (e.g., tires, sandpits, den-building materials, and scooters) to inspire imagination and physical activity.
• Proven Benefits: Schools report up to an 80% reduction in playground behavior issues and a massive drop in injuries as children learn to self-assess risk and build resilience.
• Academic Impact: By maximising outdoor learning, students return to the classroom more focused, which helps recover teaching time typically lost to resolving playtime disputes.

To access our OPAL Play Policy click here.