OPAL at Parkfield Community School:

At Parkfield Community School, we know that play is at the heart of every child’s happiness and development. That’s why we are proud to be working with OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), a nationally recognised programme that helps schools transform playtimes into rich, exciting, and creative experiences for every child.
 

Through OPAL, we are making changes that allow children to enjoy more freedom, more choice, and more opportunities to learn through play. From building dens and creating games with friends, to exploring nature and trying out new ideas, playtime is becoming a time where imaginations can flourish and children can develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork.
 

We believe that play is just as important as classroom learning – it supports wellbeing, encourages problem-solving, and helps children to form lasting friendships. With OPAL, we are creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where every child can look forward to playtime every single day.

Play Assemblies

Play assemblies take place approximately every two weeks and are led by Class Teachers or Mr Dowson. The aim of these assemblies is to ensure that there is clear communication between staff and pupils. This further supports a safe and successful play time. 

Each assembly follows the OPAL structure of CINI which is outlined below: 

Celebrate

The best way to celebrate play is through sharing pictures, films and experiences. This section of the assembly does just that.

Inform

This part of the assembly is about informing the children about change. This can be the introduction of a new area such as the sand pit or mud kitchen, or a scenario that needs to be discussed. The aim of this is to ensure that there is a whole-school message about change and isn't just a message from one member of staff. 

Negotiate

The wonderful thing about a great play environment is that you can never tell what the children will come up with next. Whatever you thought they were going to do with a resource, they will surprise you with their inventiveness.

In order for play to work for the many children and adults in a school play environment there will need to be flexibility and negotiation on both sides:

• Adults will need to listen to what children are trying to do in their play and work to support it.
• Children will have to listen to the concerns and issues that adults raise and adapt their behaviour accordingly.
   

Innovate

Playwork is all about following a cycle of observing and responding to children’s play. Play assemblies are a chance to listen to where children are currently taking their play and find out how we can support it. We can present ideas coming from the play team and the children and discuss what resources or changes will be needed for the play to continue to evolve.