Outdoor Learning and Play (OPAL)

We’re delighted to share that Beacon Primary Academy now offers OPAL play at lunchtime. Staff have had their risk training ready for this academic year. This means our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme has moved into its next exciting phase.

All-weather reminder:
Outdoor play is part of every lunchtime, in all weathers. Please ensure your child has wellies and a suitable outdoor coat in school every day.

What’s available at lunchtime?

Children now have access to a wider range of engaging, open-ended activities that promote creativity, collaboration, and independence, including:

Tree swings
Sandpits
Den-building equipment
A digging pit
A stage area
A water play zone
A mark-making area
A variety of bikes and scooters
Small world play
Small construction play
Dressing up

How we support safe and purposeful play

All play is underpinned by thorough Risk–Benefit Assessments (RBA), balancing potential risks with significant developmental benefits. This has been recommended practice for play provision nationally since 2012.

Our RBA:

Draws on staff expertise, professional judgement, and clear consideration of benefits to children.
Is a living document, reviewed and updated as new equipment or play areas are introduced.
Is shared with staff and children so everyone is informed and engaged in safe, purposeful play.

We focus on identifying risks that could present an unacceptable likelihood of serious injury. Children are supported to assess and manage risks themselves, building confidence and responsibility.

Play assemblies

Regular OPAL play assemblies:

Celebrate our culture of play and children’s creativity.
Share updates on changes, rights, and agreements.
Promote shared responsibility for risk, tidying up, and behaviour.
Explore and extend children’s current play interests.

Supervision

To keep children safe while preserving freedom to play, staff use a ranging supervision model:

Adults move around the playground/field, staying visible and approachable.
Children have space and independence to explore, with adults nearby if needed.
Staff balance vigilance with trust—stepping in as risks increase, otherwise allowing children to lead their play.

This flexible approach nurtures resilience, problem-solving, and confident risk management.

Helmets and safety equipment

Bikes and scooters are part of our OPAL offer. While helmets can protect, they can also pose risks if they don’t fit correctly (e.g., a loose chin strap).

If you wish your child to wear a helmet, please provide one that fits them properly. It can be kept in their locker when not in use.
School has a small number of helmets, but we cannot guarantee an exact fit for every child.
We strongly recommend parents/carers adjust and fit any helmet before it is brought into school.

Our Play Policy and ongoing inspections

Beacon Primary Academy has a Play Policy that guides decision-making and supervision and adopts Health and Safety Executive guidance.
Staff carry out regular inspections and maintain accurate records. Hazards are identified and removed promptly, and staff are trained to respond appropriately as risks arise.

Dynamic risk management

Play is ever-changing, so staff adopt relaxed vigilance—observing, supporting, and intervening only when necessary. Interventions may include:

Immediate action where serious harm is imminent.
Negotiated responses where small adjustments can make play safer.
Ongoing supervision where risks are minimal.

Closing note

We’re extremely excited about OPAL and the positive impact it will have on our children’s play and learning.

Play is vital for every child’s growth and development. Through OPAL, all children benefit from:

Physical development – improving strength, coordination, balance, and overall health.
Social skills – building friendships, learning to cooperate, share, and resolve conflicts.
Emotional wellbeing – boosting resilience, confidence, and the ability to manage challenges.
Creativity and imagination – exploring new ideas, problem-solving, and expressing themselves freely.
Independence and responsibility – learning to manage risks, make decisions, and take ownership of their play.

Every child, regardless of age, ability, or background, has the right to enjoy high-quality play that supports their learning and happiness.

Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring your child comes prepared each day with appropriate clothing and footwear.