Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) CIC
@opal-cic.bsky.social
Helping schools to strategically and sustainably improve their play opportunities. www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk #OPALSchools #PlanForPlay
Pinned
There are clearly lots of benefits to children from having lots of great play, but the good news is that there are many benefits for schools too. Are you ready to make playtime a key part of the school day? Get started here: outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/get-started/
"We are excited to begin this journey and look forward to seeing the benefits for our whole school community."
Chetwynde Primary School embarks on their OPAL journey!
www.nwemail.co.uk/news/2577642...
#OPALSchools
Chetwynde Primary School embarks on their OPAL journey!
www.nwemail.co.uk/news/2577642...
#OPALSchools
Pupils reimagine school playground playtimes with new ideas
School pupils in Barrow are leading a project to reimagine breaktimes on the playground.
www.nwemail.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 5:27 PM
"We are excited to begin this journey and look forward to seeing the benefits for our whole school community."
Chetwynde Primary School embarks on their OPAL journey!
www.nwemail.co.uk/news/2577642...
#OPALSchools
Chetwynde Primary School embarks on their OPAL journey!
www.nwemail.co.uk/news/2577642...
#OPALSchools
Reposted by Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) CIC
Has your school signed the active uniform pledge?
Make play times easier by ensuring an always-active uniform! 👇
Make play times easier by ensuring an always-active uniform! 👇
We're delighted that more than 70 primary schools have now signed the active uniform pledge! Your school can join them, here: activeuniform.org/take-the-ple...
Has your school already adopted an always-active uniform? We'd love to hear all about it.
youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...
Has your school already adopted an always-active uniform? We'd love to hear all about it.
youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...
Made to Move
YouTube video by Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)
youtu.be
January 26, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Has your school signed the active uniform pledge?
Make play times easier by ensuring an always-active uniform! 👇
Make play times easier by ensuring an always-active uniform! 👇
We're delighted that more than 70 primary schools have now signed the active uniform pledge! Your school can join them, here: activeuniform.org/take-the-ple...
Has your school already adopted an always-active uniform? We'd love to hear all about it.
youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...
Has your school already adopted an always-active uniform? We'd love to hear all about it.
youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...
Made to Move
YouTube video by Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)
youtu.be
January 26, 2026 at 12:19 PM
We're delighted that more than 70 primary schools have now signed the active uniform pledge! Your school can join them, here: activeuniform.org/take-the-ple...
Has your school already adopted an always-active uniform? We'd love to hear all about it.
youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...
Has your school already adopted an always-active uniform? We'd love to hear all about it.
youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...
"Physical activity is often called the 'miracle cure' by medical experts - and for excellent reason."
Great blog from Simon Hayes and Ali Oliver, @sportengland.bsky.social and Youth Sport Trust.
www.sportengland.org/blogs/lets-m... #ActiveUniformAlliance #MadeToMove
Great blog from Simon Hayes and Ali Oliver, @sportengland.bsky.social and Youth Sport Trust.
www.sportengland.org/blogs/lets-m... #ActiveUniformAlliance #MadeToMove
January 20, 2026 at 5:21 PM
"Physical activity is often called the 'miracle cure' by medical experts - and for excellent reason."
Great blog from Simon Hayes and Ali Oliver, @sportengland.bsky.social and Youth Sport Trust.
www.sportengland.org/blogs/lets-m... #ActiveUniformAlliance #MadeToMove
Great blog from Simon Hayes and Ali Oliver, @sportengland.bsky.social and Youth Sport Trust.
www.sportengland.org/blogs/lets-m... #ActiveUniformAlliance #MadeToMove
"We spoke with other schools that had already adopted an active uniform, sought feedback from governors, and surveyed parents and pupils. Over 80% of children voted in favour of the change, which played a significant role in our decision-making."
activeuniform.org/case-study-b...
activeuniform.org/case-study-b...
Case study: Birchanger C of E Primary School, Bishop's Stortford - Active Uniform Alliance
Sharon Vessey, Headteacher at Birchanger C of E Primary School, talks about the impact of changing to an always active uniform.
activeuniform.org
January 19, 2026 at 3:03 PM
"We spoke with other schools that had already adopted an active uniform, sought feedback from governors, and surveyed parents and pupils. Over 80% of children voted in favour of the change, which played a significant role in our decision-making."
activeuniform.org/case-study-b...
activeuniform.org/case-study-b...
Did you know that our wonderful team of mentors run open days in OPAL schools up and down the country? If you’re thinking of starting the OPAL Primary Programme, here are three reasons you should come along to one.
Find an open day near you, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...
Find an open day near you, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...
January 14, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Did you know that our wonderful team of mentors run open days in OPAL schools up and down the country? If you’re thinking of starting the OPAL Primary Programme, here are three reasons you should come along to one.
Find an open day near you, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...
Find an open day near you, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...
It's always lovely to see #OPALSchools being celebrated for their commitment to playtimes!
www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk/news/school-...
www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk/news/school-...
School’s platinum recognition for outdoor play
A New Forest school has been recognised for its exceptional commitment to transforming outdoor play for pupils.
www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk
January 12, 2026 at 5:40 PM
It's always lovely to see #OPALSchools being celebrated for their commitment to playtimes!
www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk/news/school-...
www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk/news/school-...
There are clearly lots of benefits to children from having lots of great play, but the good news is that there are many benefits for schools too. Are you ready to make playtime a key part of the school day? Get started here: outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/get-started/
January 6, 2026 at 5:33 PM
There are clearly lots of benefits to children from having lots of great play, but the good news is that there are many benefits for schools too. Are you ready to make playtime a key part of the school day? Get started here: outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/get-started/
Happy #NewYear from all of us at OPAL! The year may be new but our mission remains the same — for every child in every school to have an amazing hour of high-quality play every day.
If your school wants to improve playtimes in 2026, get started here: outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/get-started/
If your school wants to improve playtimes in 2026, get started here: outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/get-started/
January 1, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Happy #NewYear from all of us at OPAL! The year may be new but our mission remains the same — for every child in every school to have an amazing hour of high-quality play every day.
If your school wants to improve playtimes in 2026, get started here: outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/get-started/
If your school wants to improve playtimes in 2026, get started here: outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/get-started/
If you're looking for play inspiration for the school holidays, @playscotland.bsky.social has plenty of ideas to get you started! We would love to hear which ones you try — please share in the comments.
www.playscotland.org/parents-fami...
www.playscotland.org/parents-fami...
December 22, 2025 at 12:02 PM
If you're looking for play inspiration for the school holidays, @playscotland.bsky.social has plenty of ideas to get you started! We would love to hear which ones you try — please share in the comments.
www.playscotland.org/parents-fami...
www.playscotland.org/parents-fami...
Wishing our community of #OPALSchools a wonderful festive break. We look forward to working with you in 2026 to make sure every child has amazing play, every day!
December 19, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Wishing our community of #OPALSchools a wonderful festive break. We look forward to working with you in 2026 to make sure every child has amazing play, every day!
One child said: "There is fun, but OPAL is fun on another level." 😍
www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/2569822...
#OPALSchools
www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/2569822...
#OPALSchools
School near Carlisle celebrates platinum play award
A primary school near Carlisle has been awarded a platinum award for its playground.
www.newsandstar.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 5:10 PM
One child said: "There is fun, but OPAL is fun on another level." 😍
www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/2569822...
#OPALSchools
www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/2569822...
#OPALSchools
Thank you to every school that has been part of our journey this year. And thank you to our wonderful OPAL team for their passion and commitment to transforming playtimes.
December 15, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Thank you to every school that has been part of our journey this year. And thank you to our wonderful OPAL team for their passion and commitment to transforming playtimes.
Our vision is that every child in every school has an amazing hour of high-quality play every day – with no exceptions. As we look back on another year, here are three ways we have worked towards achieving it in 2025.
December 15, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Our vision is that every child in every school has an amazing hour of high-quality play every day – with no exceptions. As we look back on another year, here are three ways we have worked towards achieving it in 2025.
Reposted by Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) CIC
🚨 Report Published: Scottish School Grounds Survey Report 2025
We hope this report will inspire advocacy, investment, and innovation to ensure that all school grounds across Scotland are vibrant, inclusive spaces for play, learning, and community use.
www.playscotland.org/resources/pr...
We hope this report will inspire advocacy, investment, and innovation to ensure that all school grounds across Scotland are vibrant, inclusive spaces for play, learning, and community use.
www.playscotland.org/resources/pr...
December 10, 2025 at 11:02 AM
🚨 Report Published: Scottish School Grounds Survey Report 2025
We hope this report will inspire advocacy, investment, and innovation to ensure that all school grounds across Scotland are vibrant, inclusive spaces for play, learning, and community use.
www.playscotland.org/resources/pr...
We hope this report will inspire advocacy, investment, and innovation to ensure that all school grounds across Scotland are vibrant, inclusive spaces for play, learning, and community use.
www.playscotland.org/resources/pr...
Calling headteachers in schools across England! Researchers need your voice in an international study on school uniform policies.
Your input will help shape more active, inclusive, and equitable school environments—not just in England, but globally. More: www.tinyurl.com/4bfbf3bu
Your input will help shape more active, inclusive, and equitable school environments—not just in England, but globally. More: www.tinyurl.com/4bfbf3bu
December 10, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Calling headteachers in schools across England! Researchers need your voice in an international study on school uniform policies.
Your input will help shape more active, inclusive, and equitable school environments—not just in England, but globally. More: www.tinyurl.com/4bfbf3bu
Your input will help shape more active, inclusive, and equitable school environments—not just in England, but globally. More: www.tinyurl.com/4bfbf3bu
"Playtimes at Applegarth Primary School are truly amazing where creativity and imagination happens everyday, for every child." OPAL mentor Kate Gallon
www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news/2565420...
#OPALSchools
www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news/2565420...
#OPALSchools
Gold standard playtimes as school wins award for outdoor activities
The Applegarth Primary School in Northallerton has received a gold Outside Play and Learning (OPAL) award in recognition of its commitment to…
www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 7:18 AM
"Playtimes at Applegarth Primary School are truly amazing where creativity and imagination happens everyday, for every child." OPAL mentor Kate Gallon
www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news/2565420...
#OPALSchools
www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news/2565420...
#OPALSchools
"We are incredibly proud to be an OPAL school in the North East and we have been dedicated to providing high quality, inclusive play every day for 10 years."
Caroline Hodgson, headteacher at Esh Winning Academy.
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
#OPALSchools
Caroline Hodgson, headteacher at Esh Winning Academy.
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
#OPALSchools
Thousands of children benefit from reimagined play in schools programme
OPAL North East is celebrating 10 years of improving children’s lives through play
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 8:21 AM
"We are incredibly proud to be an OPAL school in the North East and we have been dedicated to providing high quality, inclusive play every day for 10 years."
Caroline Hodgson, headteacher at Esh Winning Academy.
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
#OPALSchools
Caroline Hodgson, headteacher at Esh Winning Academy.
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
#OPALSchools
“We believe that play is fundamental to children’s physical and mental wellbeing. By introducing OPAL, we have allowed our pupils opportunities to develop key skills in language, cooperation and collaboration.” Sarah Clark, Headteacher
thehaveringdaily.co.uk/2025/11/26/c...
thehaveringdaily.co.uk/2025/11/26/c...
Crowlands Primary joins the top 1 percent of UK schools for play
Crowlands Primary School in Romford received the OPAL Platinum Award for outstanding lunchtime play, ranking in the top 1 percent of UK primary schools, reflecting a commitment to children’s …
thehaveringdaily.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 4:56 PM
“We believe that play is fundamental to children’s physical and mental wellbeing. By introducing OPAL, we have allowed our pupils opportunities to develop key skills in language, cooperation and collaboration.” Sarah Clark, Headteacher
thehaveringdaily.co.uk/2025/11/26/c...
thehaveringdaily.co.uk/2025/11/26/c...
#OPALSchools see dramatic improvements in behaviour, staff wellbeing, attendance, and much more. Want to see OPAL in action? Join us for one of our open days! www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...
Curious about OPAL? Come see...
Are you a school leader curious about how better playtimes can improve outcomes across the board? Join us at an OPAL school!
These visits are for schools considering starting the OPAL Primary Program...
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 2:59 PM
#OPALSchools see dramatic improvements in behaviour, staff wellbeing, attendance, and much more. Want to see OPAL in action? Join us for one of our open days! www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...
All children have the #RightToPlay. But for the hundreds of refugee children living in northern France, the opportunities to play are extremely limited.
That’s why we’re match funding Project Play's fundraising campaign. Find out more 👇
www.justgiving.com/page/project...
That’s why we’re match funding Project Play's fundraising campaign. Find out more 👇
www.justgiving.com/page/project...
Play it Forward! DOUBLE the donation, DOUBLE the play, DOUBLE the impact!
Help Project Play raise money to support ForRefugees
www.justgiving.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:53 AM
All children have the #RightToPlay. But for the hundreds of refugee children living in northern France, the opportunities to play are extremely limited.
That’s why we’re match funding Project Play's fundraising campaign. Find out more 👇
www.justgiving.com/page/project...
That’s why we’re match funding Project Play's fundraising campaign. Find out more 👇
www.justgiving.com/page/project...
More than 75 organisations and individuals have now pledged their support for the #MadeToMove campaign! Do you believe that it’s time to reimagine school uniforms and make them fit for a modern childhood? Join the #ActiveUniformAlliance today: activeuniform.org/partners/
youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...
youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...
Made to Move
YouTube video by Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)
youtu.be
November 17, 2025 at 4:11 PM
More than 75 organisations and individuals have now pledged their support for the #MadeToMove campaign! Do you believe that it’s time to reimagine school uniforms and make them fit for a modern childhood? Join the #ActiveUniformAlliance today: activeuniform.org/partners/
youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...
youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...
Project Play has now reached 87% of their fundraising target! We're match funding this campaign, so every £ donated will be doubled. That's double the play and double the impact! Could you help them get to 100%? Make a donation below 💚
www.justgiving.com/page/project...
www.justgiving.com/page/project...
Play it Forward! DOUBLE the donation, DOUBLE the play, DOUBLE the impact!
Help Project Play raise money to support ForRefugees
www.justgiving.com
November 16, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Project Play has now reached 87% of their fundraising target! We're match funding this campaign, so every £ donated will be doubled. That's double the play and double the impact! Could you help them get to 100%? Make a donation below 💚
www.justgiving.com/page/project...
www.justgiving.com/page/project...
#OPALSchools see dramatic improvements in behaviour, staff wellbeing, attendance, and much more. If you want to see an OPAL playtime in action, why not come along to one of our open days? You can browse events and book your free place, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...
November 13, 2025 at 7:47 PM
#OPALSchools see dramatic improvements in behaviour, staff wellbeing, attendance, and much more. If you want to see an OPAL playtime in action, why not come along to one of our open days? You can browse events and book your free place, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...
We're really excited about this project from the Youth Sport Trust! The year-long initiative aims to demonstrate how reimagining school uniforms could be key to tackling the nation’s growing inactivity crisis among children. More, here: activeuniform.org/london-schoo... #ActiveUniformAlliance
London school joins always active uniform pilot to combat children’s inactivity and obesity levels - Active Uniform Alliance
Active Uniform Alliance founding partner the Youth Sport Trust has launched an exciting year-long initiative with Harbinger Primary School in London
activeuniform.org
November 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM
We're really excited about this project from the Youth Sport Trust! The year-long initiative aims to demonstrate how reimagining school uniforms could be key to tackling the nation’s growing inactivity crisis among children. More, here: activeuniform.org/london-schoo... #ActiveUniformAlliance