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.
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
