At Quest Primary School, we believe that play is a vital part of every child’s development. Our commitment to excellence, responsibility, and aspiration is reflected in our approach to play, which is inclusive, imaginative, and empowering. This document outlines how the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Primary Programme supports and enhances our school’s play provision, and how it aligns with our values, policies, and practices. By adopting OPAL, Quest Primary School is investing in:

• Improved wellbeing and mental health
• Greater creativity and independence
• Stronger social skills and teamwork
• A more positive school culture

“Play is the brain’s favourite way of learning.” Dianne Ackerman

OPAL is centred around utilising both natural and man-made resources, offering children the chance to be inspired and creative during playtime. But what does this mean for us at Quest Primary School?

1. Happiness and Wellbeing: Play is a human need and a human right.  Children and staff at OPAL’s schools report feeling less stressed and happier, and more excited about school.
2. Children Ready to Learn: By providing fulfilling play experiences, children will enter the classroom with a sense of enthusiasm and readiness to learn.
3. Fully Inclusive Playtime: OPAL’s approach makes play better for every child, every day…no exceptions!
4. Improved Behaviour: OPAL schools report up to 80% decreases in use of behaviour policies and 90% drops in senior leadership time spent in resolving playtime issues.
5. Core Skills Development: Children at OPAL schools rapidly develop creativity, imagination, resilience, social skills, emotional regulation, confidence and readiness to learn on returning to the classroom.
6. Our School Values: OPAL enables children to develop respect and responsibility for their surroundings and each other. It promotesaspiration and excellence through exploration, risk taking, setting own goals and collaborating.
7. Most Importantly, Fun: OPAL guarantees that playtime is not only beneficial but, most importantly, fun and enjoyable for every child.

As OPAL develops at Quest Primary School, you will find that we are asking you for resources as we make changes about how the children use the school grounds. We may use more of the grounds, for more of the year, your children may get a bit messier, be exposed to more challenges and have greater freedoms to play where, with whom and how they like.

New developments

Top ups and enhancement to the Loose Parts area, new Water Play area and fantastic trim trail donated by Jewson Croydon.

What’s Next?

Phase 4 – We are implementing additional play opportunities to what is available, as well as further developing the green spaces and rewilding areas.

Quest Primary Play Policy

HSE – Children’s Play & Leisure – Promoting a Balanced Approach