Opal Play
Outdoor Play and Learning
RPCPS follow the OPAL play scheme. OPAL stands for Outdoor Play and Learning, which is a program emphasising the benefits of play for children's development and well-being, encouraging them to engage in a variety of play activities outside of the classroom.
OPAL aims to improve play opportunities, social interactions, and overall development through structured and unstructured play experiences. Children have access to a range of equipment, and they decide how to play with it. We have a quiet indoor OPAL play offer.
Our Strategic Plan for Play
Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)
Our Vision for Play
At Reigate Parish Church School, we believe play is a vital part of childhood. Through high-quality outdoor play, children develop confidence, creativity, resilience, empathy and independence.
Our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) approach ensures that every child, every day, has the opportunity to experience rich, inclusive, adventurous play that supports their physical, emotional, social and spiritual development.
Play is not a break from learning — it is learning.
Why Play Matters
Research shows that high-quality play:
- Improves wellbeing and mental health
- Reduces behaviour incidents
- Supports communication and friendships
- Builds problem-solving and risk-management skills
- Encourages creativity and imagination
OPAL helps us create a play environment that reflects the real needs and interests of children, rather than limiting play to fixed equipment or adult-led activities.
What OPAL Looks Like at Our School
Children are encouraged to:
- Use loose parts (e.g. crates, tyres, fabric, planks) creatively
- Build dens and imaginative play spaces
- Explore nature and the outdoor environment
- Take appropriate risks and learn to assess safety themselves
- Play collaboratively across ages and abilities
Adults are present to support, observe and guide, rather than direct play.
Safety, Risk and Responsibility
We understand that adventurous play can look unfamiliar at first.
At our school:
- We use risk–benefit assessments, not risk avoidance
- Children are taught how to manage risk safely
- Staff receive regular OPAL training
- Safeguarding and supervision remain a priority at all times
This approach helps children become more aware, not less safe.
Inclusion and Equality
Play at Reigate Parish is for everyone.
Our OPAL strategy ensures:
- Inclusive play opportunities for children with SEND
- Spaces for both high-energy and quieter play
- No gender stereotypes in play
- Respect for different needs, backgrounds and abilities
Every child is valued, seen and supported during playtime.
How This Links to Ofsted
Our OPAL approach strongly supports the Ofsted Inspection Framework, particularly:
- Personal Development
Children develop resilience, confidence, independence and self-regulation. - Behaviour and Attitudes
High-quality play reduces conflict and supports positive behaviour. - Quality of Education
Play supports communication, physical development, problem-solving and social learning. - Leadership and Management
OPAL reflects our commitment to wellbeing, staff development and evidence-based practice.
How This Links to SIAMS
As a church school, our play strategy reflects our Christian vision and values.
Through OPAL, children are encouraged to:
- Care for one another
- Respect God’s creation
- Develop compassion, cooperation and forgiveness
- Grow in confidence and self-worth
Playtime is a space where children can flourish as whole individuals, supporting SIAMS’ focus on dignity, hope and community.
Our Long-Term Commitment
OPAL is not a short-term project — it is a long-term cultural change.
Our strategic aims include:
- Continually improving outdoor spaces
- Listening to children’s voices
- Supporting staff confidence and training
- Working with families and the wider community
- Ensuring play remains high-quality, inclusive and sustainable
We regularly review and adapt our approach to ensure it meets the needs of our children now and in the future.
Working in Partnership with Parents
We value the support and trust of our families.
We will:
- Communicate openly about our play approach
- Share updates and photographs
- Invite donations of suitable loose-parts resources
- Welcome questions and conversations
Together, we can give children the best possible childhood experience.
Take a look at the below OPAL Parent survey held in May 2025: