OPAL Play - Amazing play, everyday, for every child

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We are delighted to have been awarded the Platinum Award (April 2023)

At Dunalley we believe that all children have the right to play and the right to learn as they engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to their age.

Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) is an award-winning, mentor supported school improvement programme that is improving the quality of play opportunities for our children at Dunalley and is the only programme of its kind that has been independently proven to sustainably improve the quality of play in British primary schools.

OPAL initiated play teaches children all of the things that need to be learnt but cannot be taught. There are lots of benefits to children from having lots of great play. We have already seen just how much of an impact improving play can make to our school. Our children are having happier lunchtimes, there is a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of children and we are achieving a cultural transformation.

Our lunchtime staff are referred to as 'Play Partners' and are now fully immersed in positive lunchtime play, using the OPAL initiative.

We adopt an ‘access all areas, in all weathers’ approach, where pupils have access to rich and varied environments and a wealth of play opportunities through a wide range of play equipment, small and large loose parts and much, much more.

Follow the link below to access our Play Policy.

    It is our vision that every child at Dunalley has an amazing hour of high quality play every day – no exceptions. 

    To enable children to make the very most of what OPAL has to offer it is essential that all children are kitted out with waterproof coats and wellingtons (clearly named) to stay in school every day so that the children can access all areas in all weather and get the most out of their OPAL experience.

    We have introduced new zones and as many of these zones are muddy it is quite likely that clothes will get wet and dirty.  Waterproof trousers and/or a change of clothes are highly recommended to protect the children's school clothes.

    How you can help
    Our OPAL team have worked tirelessly to create a fabulous environment for the children to explore at lunch times, with an array of wonderful activities and opportunities for creative play.

    We are always after donations for OPAL so when you decide to have a spring clean please keep us in mind, we regularly ask for donations on our newsletters.

    OPAL at Dunalley - we love what OPAL has allowed us to be. See a glimpse of our OPAL experience here

    OPEN DAY for 2024 Starters

    20 Nov 2023

    Another OPEN DAY for September 2024 Starters will take place on January 9th 2024 at 9.30am to 10.30am - please just come along!
    Please email...

    OPAL Bingo - Winners

    15 Nov 2023

    Coming Soon !
    Another OPAL Bingo opportunity

    OPAL Platinum Award

    18 Apr 2023

    Awarded Platinum
    This award means that Dunalley primary has some of the best lunchtime play opportunities in the country for all their pupils.

    Sports Day

    24 Mar 2023

    Sports Day 
    KS2 - 11th July 
    KS1 - 13th July

    OPAL Bingo

    31 Jan 2023

    The competition has started, which class can conmplete their OPAL Bingo card?

    Parent Walkthrough - Read, Write Inc KS1

    13 Jan 2023

    Parents/Carers are invited to our Walk through on Thursday 2nd February from 9am to 9.30am

    Healthy Schools Award

    16 Dec 2022

    We are thrilled to have been awarded the Healthy Schools Award

    Year 6 Art

    21 Nov 2022

    Our Year 6 children have prodiced some fabulous art work.

    Call of the Wild

    04 Oct 2022

    Our Year 6 residential week is underway.The children are having a fabulous time.

    Y6 - Secondary School Open Days

    16 Sep 2022

    Over the coming few weeks there are a number of open days in the local area that we would like to make you aware of.
    https://dunalleyps.schoolzineplus.co.uk/secondary-schools-open-days