OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning)
At Spring Meadow we believe that play and learning go hand-in-hand, not just in Nursery and Reception but all the way through school.
Playtime accounts for at least 20% of the school day, providing opportunities for children to learn a range of valuable skills such as socialisation, self-regulation, co-operation, coordination, resilience, creativity, imagination and negotiation.
In order to make sure that children make the most of their play opportunities, we decided to invest in the OPAL Programme, which has provided a framework for developing high-quality play across the school.
We began our OPAL journey in May 2023 and were delighted to achieve the PLATINUM Award in February 2025.
OPAL Lunchtimes
October 2023 – Made with Clipchamp
Our Play Detectives helped Miss Seaman find evidence of high-quality lunchtime play — it looks like everyone was having fun!
Our OPAL Working Group
OPAL is a whole-school approach, so our Working Group involves stakeholders from across our school community:
- Claire Pallett – Head of School
- Lisette Seaman – Curriculum Lead for Play
- Lisa Kadlec – Play Coordinator
- Abiemwense Okunwa (Sprirituality Governor) – Governor Play Champion
- Vanessa Taylor – Parent Play Champion
Our Play Charter
Our Play Policy
LIFE is supporting the Trussell Trust.
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