OPAL

At Chobham, we are proud members of the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) scheme. OPAL playtimes mean more fun, creativity, independence and inclusivity.

Research has shown that children spend 20% of their time in school playing. To ensure that this time and our fantastic school grounds are used to their full potential our school has adopted an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) philosophy that allows the children freedom to explore play in their own imaginative ways, often using found and gathered resources in the natural outdoor environment.

What is the OPAL Approach to play?

An OPAL approach promotes a more inclusive play environment in which all children can feel comfortable to express themselves. Our OPAL journey began in 2023 and since this time, we are working towards transforming our outdoor environment. OPAL offers an exciting alternative to the standard playground activities. 

What about wet and cold weather?

OPAL is all about meeting Article 31 of the UN Convention of the Rights of a Child (UNCRC) which states a child has the right to, "....to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child...". To ensure that we are supporting this right, we will go out in all weathers if it is assessed as safe enough. Weather is not a barrier to play. Therefore, we request that every child wears weather-appropriate clothing which includes a warm coat, and wellies brought in a bag that can be changed in to for colder months or a sun-hat and sunscreen on in warmer months. 

With your help, we can further enrich this valuable time of the day. If you would like to donate any resources for our OPAL journey, we are looking for the items below which you can bring in anytime.

• Suitcases of any size and type
• Anything on wheels/castors
• Plastic milk crates/supermarket delivery crates/plastic bread trays
• Briefcases, especially hard cased ones
• Road signs and cones
• Kitchen pots, pans, baking trays, work tables, wooden spoons, chopping boards
• Tools like small spades/shovels, trowels and brooms
• Tubes of various sizes and various materials
• Buckets
• Nets and thick ropes
• Keyboards/torches/laptops/calculators/mobile phones/desk phones/webcams/cameras that are no longer working
• Fabric (large sheets/brightly coloured fabric)
• Foam sheets/bodyboards/camping roll mats/yoga mats
• Wooden pallets
• Metal frames
• Cable drums
• Guttering
• Noodles (the type you use in the swimming pool!)
• Hats/scarves/jazzy shirts/elasticated skirts/waistcoats/wedding dresses/character costumes
• Pegs (to help to set up dens)