At Cedar Park School and Nursery, we know that play is at the heart of every child’s happiness and development. That’s why we are proud to be working with OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), a nationally recognised programme that helps schools transform playtimes into rich, exciting, and creative experiences for every child.
 

Through OPAL, we are making changes that allow children to enjoy more freedom, more choice, and more opportunities to learn through play. From building dens and creating games with friends, to exploring nature and trying out new ideas, playtime is becoming a time where imaginations can flourish and children can develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork.
 

We believe that play is just as important as classroom learning – it supports wellbeing, encourages problem-solving, and helps children to form lasting friendships. With OPAL, we are creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where every child can look forward to playtime every single day.

To kick-start our outdoor provision, children, parents and families donated items with the aim of completing the bingo card for their year group. The prize? An additional break time with donated items and a non-uniform day. We were astonished by the response and we had over 2,000 individual items donated. The winners? The competition was very close and we are pleased to say that there were several year groups who completed their bingo card and therefore, we had to count individual items. Well done to Year 1, who reigned victorious and enjoyed their prize!

This plan has been through several rounds of discussion and negotiations with stakeholders - especially the children. Our School Councillors shared the landscape plan with their classes and took on board feedback and suggestions. Miss Mason has then been able to make adjustments based on the children's views. 

The completion of this landscape plan will take some time. The initial OPAL consultation and development period takes place over 2 years. It is important that these areas are introduced at a steady-pace to ensure that staff and children can adjust appropriately. 

Play Assemblies

Play assemblies take place on a fortnightly basis and are led by Miss Mason. The aim of these assemblies is to ensure that there is clear communication between staff and pupils. This further supports a safe and successful play time. 

Each assembly follows the OPAL structure of CINI which is outlined below: 

Celebrate

The best way to celebrate play is through sharing pictures, films and experiences. This section of the assembly does just that. As of 2025-2026, children will have access to cameras to record their play experiences which can then be shared on a whole-school level. 

Inform

This part of the assembly is about informing the children about change. This can be the introduction of a new area such as the sand pit or mud kitchen, or a scenario that needs to be discussed. The aim of this is to ensure that there is a whole-school message about change and isn't just a message from one member of staff. 

Negotiate

The wonderful thing about a great play environment is that you can never tell what the children
will come up with next. Whatever you thought they were going to do with a resource, they will
surprise you with their inventiveness.

In order for play to work for the many children and adults in a school play environment there will need to be flexibility and negotiation on both sides:
 

• Adults will need to listen to what children are trying to do in their play and work to support it.
• Children will have to listen to the concerns and issues that adults raise and adapt their behaviour accordingly.
   

Innovate

Playwork is all about following a cycle of observing and responding to children’s play. Play assemblies are a chance to listen to where children are currently taking their play and find out how we can support it. We can present ideas coming from the play team and the children, and discuss what resources or changes will be needed for the play to continue to evolve.

Our first station to be introduced to the children has been den-building! This activity has proven to be a very popular activity and children have had to use a range of skills including negotiation, creativity, co-operation and perseverance. 

Next up? The sand pit and mud kitchen!

Our sandpit is currently under construction. A HUGE thank-you to Mr Jovicic, who donated time and labour to dig the pit. Mr Eales is now working hard to move the sand into the pit ready for the beginning of the year!

A BIG thank-you to Mr Nuttall and his team for creating this amazing mud kitchen for our children. We cannot wait for them to come back in September and create special play memories!

A BIG thank-you to our wonderful PTA!

This project would not be possible without the support of our wonderful PTA who work tirelessly to raise funds through our whole-school events such as school discos, the summer and Christmas fayres and cinema nights. 

Want to discuss OPAL further? 

If you'd like to discuss OPAL at Cedar Park School and Nursery in more detail, please contact our OPAL Curriculum Leader: Miss Mason. 

Alternatively, you can have further discussions with any member of our working party: 

Headteacher: Luke Redman 

Play Governor: Steve Spice 

Play Co-ordinator: Kirsty Shrimpton