Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)

Imaginative play at Fibbersley Park Academy

Research has shown that children spend 20% of their school playing. To ensure that this time and our fantastic school grounds are used to their full potential, our school has adopted an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) philosophy.

This allows the children freedom to explore play in their own imaginative ways, often using resources found and gathered in the natural outdoor environment.

What is the OPAL approach to play?

An OPAL approach promotes a more inclusive play environment in which all children benefit from more opportunities to express themselves and play in new ways.

Our OPAL journey began in January 2025 to transform our play provision. Our children are very excited about the new outdoor opportunities that are coming soon with so much more for them to do, no matter the weather!

From playing with tyres, digging, riding scooters, playing with a range of loose parts, enjoying imaginative play in the small world area, or cooking up a storm in the mud kitchen, OPAL offers an exciting alternative to the standard playground activities.

Curricular Leader
Mrs L. Kennedy

Play Leader
Miss L. Nicholls

Play Team
The team responsible for children’s play, including Lunchtime Supervisors, Teaching Assistants and 1:1 staff. During the play sessions there is an ongoing Risk-Based Approach Risk-Benefit Assessment.

Fibbersley Park Play Leaders
We have a group of children from across the classes who support play and help the play team. They can be easily identified by their hi-vis jackets!

Keep an eye on your Class Charts and our social media sites for pictures and requests for loose parts!