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

    OPAL Stay & Play

    27 Sep 2024

    We would like to invite all of our families to join us for an OPAL Stay & Play on Saturday 5th October from 10am - 12pm.

    Donations for OPAL

    15 Sep 2024

    If you are thinking of having a pre-Christmas sort out please keep OPAL in mind for the usual donations.

    Dunalley Pantry

    05 Sep 2024

    We would like to remind our families about Dunalley Pantry.
    Set up to help families who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

    Free Uniform

    01 Sep 2024

    We have lots of unclaimed uniform items here at school, should you need anything for your child(ren) please pop along and see us.

    Back to School

    08 Aug 2024

    We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday 4th September

    Dunalley Pantry

    31 Jul 2024

    Our Dunalley Pantry will be open during the school holidays.
    9am to 10.30am on Thursdays 1st, 8th & 29th August


    Helping where we can.

    Exceptional Learners

    22 Jul 2024

    Thank you to all of our children for their hard work and perseverance this year. Visitors to our school always comment on our focused learners.

    Non-uniform Day

    24 Jun 2024

    We raised £300 from our non school uniform day on Friday.
    £150 each for the Air Ambulance & The Cystic Fibrosis Trust

    Dunalley Diddies

    03 Jun 2024

    Open to parents/carers of babies 0-1yrs old, on Wednesdays 1.45pm-3pm. For more info pop along and speak to Hannah Street in Nursery & Pre-school.

    Nursery & Pre-school spaces available

    13 May 2024

    Dunalley Nursery & Pre-school have sessions available for September 2024.
    Contact us now for further information.