OPAL – Outdoor Play and Learning

East Markham have platinum award status for OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning. This means that we are in the top 0.5% of UK schools for the quality of the play!

What is OPAL?

OPAL is a nationally recognised programme that supports schools in improving playtimes and outdoor learning environments. It encourages creativity, independence and social development, helping children to feel happy, confident and ultimately, ready to learn.

What play looks like at East Markham

In September 2022, we began our OPAL journey and we are overjoyed with the positive impact it has had on our children and school community. Children in British primary schools spend 20% or 1.4 years of their school lives in play, therefore choosing OPAL was an easy decision for us – at East Markham Primary School, we believe play is an essential part of childhood and supports children’s wellbeing, development and enjoyment of school. Our participation in the OPAL Primary Programme helps us provide high-quality, inclusive and engaging outdoor play opportunities for all pupils and it supports the values and ethos of East Markham by encouraging respect, passion, resilience, courage and empathy.

Children are encouraged to take ownership of their play and explore a wide range of activities, including, but not limited to:

  • Creative and imaginative play
  • Small world play
  • Den building
  • Designing and making their own physical challenges and games
  • Outdoor arts and crafts
  • Playing sports and ball games
  • Active and adventurous play
  • Nature exploration and outdoor learning
  • Mud and water play
  • Social and cooperative play across all year groups

Supporting Our School Values

Our OPAL programme supports the values and ethos of East Markham Primary School by encouraging respect, kindness, independence and resilience. You can learn more about our school vision and values on our website:

Supporting OPAL

We welcome support from families through donations of suitable play resources such as: tyres, crates, small world items, arts/crafts, sports equipment and many others. If you ever have any offers of equipment, please do let us know as these help us continue to develop exciting play opportunities for our children!