INTENT
We believe that every child has a right to enjoy daily, playtime experiences, enabling them to express themselves fully and grow physically, socially, emotionally.
Our approach to play is deeply rooted in our mission that…
“With Christ at the centre, we journey together to achieve our potential and live life to the full.”
At St. Finian’s we have adopted the Opal Play approach (outdoor play and learning); the Opal philosophy recognises play as a vital part of enabling every child to flourish, grow and experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises.
"THE OPAL VISION, IS THAT EVERY CHILD HAS AN AMAZING HOUR OF HIGH-QUALITY PLAY EVERY DAY – WITH NO EXCEPTIONS."
To that end, at St. Finian’s, we provide an enriching, daily play environment where children are encouraged to:
- use their imaginations
- be creative
- make choices
- take decisions
- be challenged
- build friendships
- learn from mistakes
- show respect
- have a voice
- manage risk
Every child knows they are unique and loved. By offering a wide range of play experiences, accessible to all, we promote inclusion, equality and build a strong sense of belonging.
(see St Finian’s Play Policy 2026)
IMPLEMENTATION
The OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) approach makes play a central part of children’s everyday school experience. Rather than viewing play as simply a break between lessons, we recognise it as an important opportunity for children to develop their physical, social, emotional and creative skills.
Children have access to one and a half hours of play every day, providing regular opportunities to explore, take risks, solve problems, be active and spend time with friends. Our outdoor environment is designed to encourage a wide range of play, from imaginative and creative activities to physical challenges, construction, games and quiet spaces.
Staff support children’s play by creating an environment where they can make choices, develop independence and learn to manage appropriate risks. Adults are available to facilitate play, model positive interactions and help children when needed, while allowing children the freedom and space to direct their own play.
The OPAL approach also encourages children of different ages and abilities to play together, helping to build relationships, cooperation and a strong sense of belonging. Through this approach, we aim to ensure that play is inclusive, purposeful and enjoyable for every child.
Our implementation of OPAL is continually reviewed and developed in partnership with children, staff and families. We use children’s experiences and feedback to help us improve our play spaces and ensure that our provision continues to meet the needs of our whole school community.
So what is play?
Play is a process which is...
1. Freely chosen by the child
2. Directed by the child
3. For the child’s own motivations and reasons
(Playwork Essestials)
There are 16 recognised 'play types'.
Play types are the different behaviours we can see when children are playing. Through OPAL, we provide the resources and opportunities children need to access each of these different play types. This is an essential part of every child's healthy development.
THE PLAY TEAM
The Play Team’s job, led by the Play Coordinator, is to enrich and diversify play without taking the ownership of play away from the children. A good Play Team will all work together to ensure children have plenty of resources and are supported to be independent and creative. Our Play Team are an important and valued part of St Finian's. They are responsible for 20% of school life and for advocating for play; in OPAL schools, it is recognised that good quality play is hugely important to the health, happiness, development and well-being of all children.
(Playwork Essentials)
IMPACT
The impact of OPAL on our children is that they are:
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more active and physically engaged throughout the school day, developing healthy habits and a positive attitude towards physical activity
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happier and more confident in their play, with greater freedom to choose activities that interest and challenge them
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more independent, as they make their own choices, manage their play and take increasing responsibility for their actions
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more resilient by taking appropriate risks, trying new activities, overcoming challenges and learning from mistakes
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better equipped to resolve minor conflicts independently and will develop strategies for managing disagreements positively
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Children will also
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develop stronger social skills through collaborative and imaginative play, including communication, cooperation, negotiation and problem-solving
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experience greater inclusion, with a wider range of play opportunities enabling children of different ages, abilities and interests to participate successfully
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develop their creativity and imagination through open-ended play using a wide range of natural, loose and flexible resources
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develop a stronger connection with the natural environment through opportunities to explore, investigate and learn outdoors
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demonstrate greater confidence in making decisions, solving problems and managing appropriate levels of risk
Ultimately, OPAL creates a happier, healthier, more confident and inclusive school community where every child will have the opportunity to play, explore, take appropriate risks and thrive.