At Ashbourne Primary School, we believe that play is a vital part of learning and development. Through our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) approach, we provide children with rich, meaningful play opportunities that support their development both in and beyond the classroom.

We recognise that high-quality play supports pupils to return to learning ready, regulated and motivated, and plays a key role in developing confidence, wellbeing and positive attitudes.

Our Approach

Our playtimes are carefully planned to ensure that all pupils are active, engaged and included. Through high-quality play, children:

• Develop confidence and independence
• Learn to cooperate, negotiate and solve problems
• Build resilience and perseverance
• Improve physical health and wellbeing
• Strengthen imagination and creativity

We place a strong emphasis on effort, encouraging pupils to try new ideas, take safe risks and keep going, recognising that excellent effort always matters in play as well as learning.

Our Play Environment

We have transformed our outdoor environment to provide a wide range of opportunities that meet the needs of all pupils.

Children are able to:

• Build, create and design using loose parts
• Explore imaginative and role play
• Engage in physical and active play
• Work collaboratively with others
• Take safe risks and challenge themselves

Our OPAL approach ensures that every child has access to inclusive, engaging and purposeful play experiences every day.

Linked to Our Golden Threads

Our OPAL play provision supports our Golden Threads:

• Language and Literacy – pupils develop communication skills through play, discussion and collaboration
• Resilience and Regulation – pupils learn to manage emotions, take risks and persevere through challenges
• Belonging and Becoming – pupils feel included, build relationships and develop confidence as part of a community

PRAISE in Play

Our PRAISE values are lived out through play every day. Children are encouraged to:

• Take pride in their play and creations
• Show respect for others and equipment
• Act with kindness and include others
• Be independent in their choices
• Stay resilient when things don’t go to plan
• Demonstrate excellent behaviour

Play provides a natural and meaningful context for children to develop these important life skills.

Through our OPAL approach, pupils:

• Are active, engaged and ready to learn
• Develop confidence, independence and resilience
• Build positive relationships and social skills
• Show improved wellbeing and emotional regulation
• Engage positively in both play and learning