Outdoor Play & Learning

Here at Skerne Park Academy we are committed to ensuring quality play opportunities are available to all our children. We have recently embarked on an exciting journey with the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme.

Children spend 20% of their time in school playing and we believe that play is essential for physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual development of each child.

“… better, more active and creative playtimes can mean happier and healthier children, and having happier, healthier, more active children usually results in a more positive attitude to learning in school, with more effective classroom lessons, less staff time spent resolving unnecessary behavioural problems, fewer playtime accidents, happier staff and a healthier attitude to life.”
— OPAL Programme Rationale

What are the benefits?

• It’s fun!
• Improving playtimes for all children meaning happier children and children who come into the classroom ready to learn
• Improving our play spaces across the school making the most of our wonderful spaces and ensuring a fully inclusive play offer.
• Develops our school values encouraging children to be creative, resilient independent and collaborative whilst respecting those around them 
• Improving behaviour at playtimes

OPAL is all about using naturally and man-made resources to allow children to be inspired and creative at playtime. Please visit this page for any updates on our journey.