OPAL Play

Welcome to OPAL Play at Edith Moorhouse Primary School!

At Edith Moorhouse, we are passionate about creating an environment where children thrive—not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and physically. That is why we are thrilled to share that we have officially embarked on our journey with OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning)!

What is OPAL?

OPAL is a nationally recognised, evidence-based program designed to transform school playtimes. Research shows that children spend around 20% of their total time in primary school at play. Through OPAL, our goal is to ensure that every single one of those minutes is filled with joy, creativity, exploration, and meaningful social interaction.

Why Are We Doing This?

By upgrading our play provision, we aim to give our children:

• Child-Led Play: Freedom to explore, build, design, and play in ways that match their individual interests and imaginations.

• Health and Well-Being: Increased physical activity, fresh air, and opportunities to build emotional resilience through teamwork and problem-solving.

• Inclusivity & Community: A dynamic outdoor environment where every child—regardless of age or interest—finds purpose, friendship, and fun at break and lunchtime.

We Are Just Getting Started!

We are currently at the very beginning of this exciting transition. Over the coming months, we will be planning, training staff, transforming our outdoor spaces, and gathering resources to create a rich, varied play landscape.

A vibrant OPAL environment relies heavily on loose parts and everyday items—everything from tires, crates, and wooden planks to old pots, pans, and dress-up clothes. As we progress, we will be reaching out to our school community for support with donations and ideas.

We can’t wait to share this journey with you and watch our children’s playtimes transform into incredible adventures! Stay tuned for regular updates, photos, and news on how you can get involved.