What is OPAL Play?

We started our OPAL journey in September 2023 and our journey with it - so far - has been amazing. OPAL has completely revitalised our playtimes and play is now an integral part of the school day. Research shows that playtime takes up more than 20% of a child’s time at school, which is around 1.4 years of primary school life.

Play in the Past

Previously, our children were restricted to the tarmacked areas of school separated by different lunch times and with minimal equipment available. Since the beginning of our journey, through OPAL, we have been able to become more flexible with our lunch times, giving our children maximum time to play. We have opened our whole school grounds, giving the children access to a wide range of different environments and experiences. In addition to this, we have brought everyone together, allowing our children to mix with other year groups regardless of their age or backgrounds.

What We Want for Our Children at Seaburn Dene

At Seaburn Dene Primary School, we believe that every child deserves high-quality play, every day. Play is not an optional extra—it’s essential to children’s health, happiness, development and overall well-being.

Our vision - "We always try to be that little bit better" - closely aligns with that of the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme:

"That every child has an amazing hour of high-quality play every day."

Through rich, engaging play opportunities, our children develop key life skills—creativity, imagination, resilience, stamina, cooperation and confidence—all while having fun and enjoying their school day to the fullest.

What OPAL play brings to Seaburn Dene:

• Mental well-being: Children are happier and more content. Many OPAL schools, like ours, report improved emotional health amongst pupils.

• Physical activity: All children are more active, often without even realising they’re exercising because they’re so engaged in play.

• Social and emotional growth: Play brings children of all ages and backgrounds together—building friendships and essential interpersonal skills.

• Self-regulation: With increased freedom comes responsibility. Our children learn how to manage themselves, assess risk, and look after one another.

• Links to learning: Play boosts creativity and imagination—skills that feed directly back into classroom success.

• Risk management: Children develop their ability to assess and manage risk safely, with fewer reported accidents and greater confidence.

• Improved behaviour: Happier, busier children lead to calmer classrooms and fewer behaviour issues.

• Higher attendance: When play is this exciting, children genuinely look forward to coming to school.

• Staff well-being: Supervising joyful, active children is far more rewarding and less stressful—leading to improved staff morale.

• Teaching and learning: After an active hour of play, children are more focused and ready to learn—supporting higher standards of teaching.

• Parental confidence: Parents want their children to be happy at school. A school that values freedom, fun and emotional well-being is one they can trust.

At Seaburn Dene, play is a priority—because happy children learn best.