OPAL – Outdoor Play and Learning at Upton Junior School

At Upton Junior School, Broadstairs, we recognise the importance of play in children’s development, wellbeing and happiness. We are proud to offer OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), providing children with exciting opportunities to play, explore and have fun outdoors – whatever the weather!

Our OPAL Playtimes

During OPAL playtimes, children have access to a wide range of exciting outdoor play opportunities across our playground, field and forest areas. Children are encouraged to make their own choices about how they play, allowing them to follow their interests, use their imagination and enjoy being active with their friends.

Our play spaces include a wide variety of resources, such as:

• LEGO and construction materials
• Dolls and small-world play
• Mud kitchen role-play
• Dressing-up clothes and stage area
• Maths and English stations
• Forest area
• Zip wires and tree swings
• Tyres and crates
• Log cabin
• Soft play area
• Ball pit
• Water area
• Mud and dinosaur digging area
• Obstacle courses and climbing equipment
• Tunnels
• Music area
• Creative and loose-part materials
• And, excitingly, we will be introducing a sandpit and scooters! Watch this space!

Our resources are deliberately open-ended, meaning that children can use them in many different ways. They can invent their own games, build and create, solve problems together, develop friendships and grow in confidence and independence through play.

Learning Through Play

OPAL encourages open-ended, active and creative play, giving children opportunities to challenge themselves, work collaboratively and develop resilience.

Through play, children learn to assess situations, make decisions, negotiate with others and manage appropriate levels of risk. These are important skills that support children both in school and beyond.

At Upton Junior School, children take part in regular OPAL assemblies, where we discuss how to use equipment and play spaces safely. Our Opal Play Team also actively supervise playtimes, supporting children as they develop their independence while ensuring that play remains safe and enjoyable.

As with any active play, minor bumps, scrapes and accidents can sometimes occur. These experiences are a natural part of children learning to judge and manage risk, develop independence and build confidence in their own abilities. As always, any incidents are assessed and managed by our first aid team.

Being Ready for OPAL

A key principle of OPAL is that children should be able to enjoy outdoor play throughout the year and in all seasons. We want every child at Upton Junior School to make the most of our fantastic outdoor spaces, whatever the weather.

To help children access the full range of OPAL opportunities, it is important that they come to school with appropriate outdoor clothing.

Wellies
If the field is wet and your child does not have wellies in school, they will not be able to access the field during OPAL playtimes.

Waterproof Coat or Rain Jacket
If it is raining and your child does not have a suitable waterproof coat, they will not be able to access the outdoor play areas.

Sun Protection
During sunnier weather, we ask that children come to school already wearing sun lotion. They should also bring a sun hat and a water bottle.

We ask that children keep a named pair of wellies in school and bring a waterproof jacket every day, as the weather in Broadstairs can change quickly!

Providing these essential items means your child can continue to enjoy the full range of OPAL experiences throughout the year.

Supporting Play at Upton Junior School

Thank you for supporting our OPAL approach and helping us provide rich, engaging play opportunities for the children of Upton Junior School.

Through OPAL, we want every child to have the opportunity to play, explore, create, take appropriate risks, build friendships and develop the confidence and resilience they need to thrive.

At Upton Junior School, we believe that play matters.