OPAL Play: learning, exploring and thriving through play!
At Jerounds, we are excited to be introducing OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), an initiative that celebrates the importance of play in children's learning, development and wellbeing.
OPAL encourages children to make the most of their playtimes by providing opportunities to explore, create, imagine, problem-solve and play together. It helps children develop independence, confidence, resilience and teamwork, while enjoying the freedom to make choices about how they play.
Through OPAL, we aim to create engaging, inclusive and stimulating playtimes where every child feels welcome, has the opportunity to join in and can discover new interests. Whether building, creating, imagining, exploring or playing with friends, children are encouraged to use their creativity and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Meet our OPAL Play Leaders
To support this exciting initiative, we have three dedicated OPAL Play Leaders who play an important role in helping bring OPAL to life at Jerounds Primary Academy.
During playtimes, our OPAL Play Leaders encourage children to explore the different play opportunities available, try new activities and make the most of their time outdoors. They help children feel included, support positive interactions and encourage cooperation, sharing and imaginative play.
Our Play Leaders also help children develop the confidence to make their own choices, solve problems together and build positive relationships with their peers. By offering encouragement, guidance and enthusiasm, they help create a happy, welcoming and purposeful play environment where children can flourish.
Most importantly, our OPAL Play Leaders help children recognise that play is not just a break from learning — play is learning! Through their experiences at playtime, children develop valuable social, emotional, physical and creative skills that support them throughout their school journey.
Making playtimes special
At Jerounds, we believe that playtimes should be enjoyable, active, imaginative and inclusive. OPAL gives our children the chance to explore their interests, challenge themselves, build friendships and create wonderful memories together.
We are delighted to see this exciting initiative developing across our school community and look forward to seeing our children grow in confidence, creativity and independence through the power of play.
At Jerounds Primary Academy, we are learning, growing and thriving together — one playtime at a time!