Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) at Ivy Lane
Because every child deserves a playtime worth remembering.

At Ivy Lane, we believe play is not an optional extra — it’s a vital part of childhood. That’s why we’re proud to be an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) school.

The OPAL Primary Programme is a school improvement strategy with play at its heart. It’s not a box-ticking exercise or a one-off playground revamp — it’s a whole-school culture shift. Rooted in over 20 years of research and practice, OPAL is now in over 800 schools across Europe, including award-winning models in the UK, Spain, and even as far afield as Canada and New Zealand.

So… why OPAL? Why now?

Because childhood has changed.

Children today are spending more time indoors, more time on screens, and less time in unstructured, outdoor play.
The statistics speak for themselves:

• Average screen time per day: 6 hours
• Average outdoor play time per week: 5 hours
• 56% of UK children say the only place they regularly play outside with others is at school.

At Ivy Lane, we see that as a call to action.

We’re on a mission to reclaim childhood, one muddy welly at a time.

With OPAL, we’re transforming breaktimes into some of the richest, most valuable parts of the school day. Our field becomes a place of imagination, collaboration, negotiation, risk-taking, wonder, joy — and yes, the occasional muddy knee or soggy sock.

This isn’t just about adding more equipment or bright colours (though we’re working on that too). It’s about giving children the time, space, freedom and permission to play in ways that are meaningful to them.

What does this look like at Ivy Lane?

• Children can build dens, climb safely, create obstacle courses, invent games, and simply be children.
• There’s no “one way” to play — play is self-directed, creative and inclusive.
• We have a dedicated Play Team and regularly review how we can improve the spaces and experiences we offer.

Is it safe?
Yes — but not sanitised. We follow a risk-benefit approach, in line with guidance from the HSE and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. That means children are supported to experience challenges, try things out, and build confidence — not wrapped in cotton wool.

Does it work?
Absolutely. Schools that implement OPAL see:

• More positive playtimes
• Fewer behaviour incidents
• Happier children (and staff!)
• And best of all… children who want to come to school

We’re lucky to have a large, evolving outdoor space — but what brings it to life is our community. Play at Ivy Lane is a shared responsibility between staff, children and families. We may get messy. We may need donations (we will need donations). And occasionally, we’ll need a wheelbarrow or a willing volunteer. But above all, we need everyone to be behind this mission to make Ivy Lane a place where play is protected, respected and prioritised.

Want to get involved?
We regularly share OPAL updates in our newsletters and on our OPAL board (located near the tunnel entrance). You’ll also find a seasonal wish list of items we’re currently after — from wellies and crates to suitcases and sandpit toys.

Together, we’re building something special. One lunchtime at a time.