--- title: "OPAL Play at Jericho Primary School" url: "https://jericho.cumbria.sch.uk/key-information/personal-development-at-jericho-primary-school/opal-play-at-jericho-primary-school" school: "Jericho Primary School" --- # OPAL Play at Jericho Primary School ## [![](https://jericho.cumbria.sch.uk/images/Picture1.jpg)](https://jericho.cumbria.sch.uk/images/Picture1.jpg) At Jericho Primary we follow the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) approach to make playtimes richer, safer and more enjoyable for every child. OPAL isn’t just about equipment — it’s a whole-school way of thinking that gives children choice, challenge and the chance to take managed risk, develop social skills and return to lessons calmer, fitter and ready to learn. ### Why we’ve chosen OPAL - It improves behaviour and reduces low-level disruption by giving children structured freedom and meaningful play.​ - It increases physical activity and supports children’s physical development and wellbeing. - It develops social, emotional and problem-solving skills: children practise negotiation, teamwork and resilience. - It makes play more inclusive — children of different ages, abilities and interests can join in. - It supports learning: children who have had active, creative breaks are more focused in lessons. ### What OPAL looks like at Jericho this week - Play leaders and lunchtime supervisors support zones of play rather than controlling every activity. - A selection of loose-parts and play resources are available every day (e.g. crates, ropes, tyres, art materials, sports equipment). - Rotating play “zones” encourage different kinds of play: construction, messy play, imaginative play, creative arts and active games. - Children are taught simple safety rules and how to assess small risks for themselves. Staff intervene only when necessary, allowing children to learn from manageable challenges. ### What parents should know about safety - OPAL emphasises supervised, managed risk: children are allowed age-appropriate challenges but staff are trained to spot and manage real hazards. - Supervisory ratios and duty patterns remain in line with school policy and safeguarding expectations. - We have risk assessments for play areas and activities; these are reviewed regularly. - Serious incidents are recorded and handled through our usual safeguarding and behaviour procedures. ### How OPAL supports learning and wellbeing - Active breaks help concentration: children return to class calmer and more ready to work. - Play develops vocabulary, social interaction and leadership skills which feed into classroom learning. - It supports children with additional needs by offering a range of play options — quieter, sensory or low-stimulus spaces are available. - OPAL encourages independence and responsibility (tidying zones, caring for resources). ### How you might notice the difference - Children talk enthusiastically about play and bring ideas into class. - Fewer behaviour incidents at break times and improved readiness to learn afterwards. - Increased physical fitness and confidence in risk-management. - More friendships and cooperative play across year groups. ### How parents can support OPAL - Talk with your child about what they enjoy at playtime and encourage them to describe how they solved a problem or worked with a friend. - Donate useful, safe loose-parts if you can (check the school’s list of acceptable items). - Volunteer at a play event or help with maintenance of resources if you’re able — we will always publicise opportunities. - Reinforce our simple play rules at home: respect, choice, safety and tidy up. ![](https://jericho.cumbria.sch.uk/images/Picture4.jpg) ![Jericho Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/jericho-primary-school/images/logo/Jericho-footer-logo(1).png) #### Jericho Primary School Windsor Court Whitehaven Cumbria CA28 6UX 01946 514545 01946 514546 #### Useful Links - [Contact Us](https://jericho.cumbria.sch.uk/about-us/contact) - [Class Pages](https://jericho.cumbria.sch.uk/children/class-pages) - [Policies](https://jericho.cumbria.sch.uk/key-information/policies) #### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/1212214655516318) © Copyright 2023–2026 Jericho Primary School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://jericho.cumbria.sch.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)