OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning)

At Bishop Creighton Academy, we recognise that play is essential for all pupils. It provides valuable opportunities for physical activity, social interaction with peers, and the development of curiosity, imagination, creativity and enjoyment.

As playtimes account for approximately 20% of the school day, we are committed to providing consistently high‑quality and sustainable play opportunities for every child. Our inclusive approach is supported through carefully designed outdoor spaces and the thoughtful provision of equipment and resources, enabling a rich range of accessible play experiences.

Guided by our school vision and play policy, we carefully plan and develop opportunities that support children’s overall health, happiness and well‑being. Through play, children build independence and confidence, develop social skills and imagination, learn to adapt, and gain experience in assessing and managing risk.

Better-quality play leads to happier children and happier staff. With better-quality play opportunities, there are fewer behaviour problems, a more positive attitude to school and improved skills development and learning. As the children improve their quality of play and have more enriching play times, there are fewer accidents and classroom learning is enhanced as the children come in from play happy and ready to learn.

Our children have access to a wide range of materials which they can use in their play. These include tyres, crates, wood, fabric, mud, wheeled toys and much more. Through regular play assemblies, they are taught about dynamic risk assessments and playing co-operatively with others.