At Pilton Infants, we are committed to ensuring that every aspect of school life supports our vision of Learning for Life. That’s why we are thrilled to be working with the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Project, a two-year initiative aimed at transforming the quality of playtimes and lunchtimes for our children. Play is an essential part of children’s development, and we believe that improving their play experiences will have a lasting impact on their learning, well-being, and overall happiness at school.

The OPAL Project is designed to enrich children’s play opportunities, providing them with diverse, creative, and engaging outdoor environments where they can explore, imagine, and collaborate. By improving the quality of play, we help children build important life skills, such as teamwork, resilience, independence, and problem-solving—all of which align with our vision of fostering lifelong learners.

During playtimes, children have the chance to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations. For example, they might practice being like Timmy Teamworker as they build a den with friends, or embrace Bobby Bounce Back's resilience when they try a challenging new activity. These experiences are crucial for their social and emotional development, supporting the growth of well-rounded individuals who are ready to face the challenges of life.

We are using assemblies to educate children about different types of play—creative, imaginative, physical, and more—and how they can keep themselves safe while playing. This education not only ensures that children have fun, but also that they are developing a sense of responsibility for themselves and others.

The OPAL Project is an exciting journey that will continue to evolve over the next two years, with new opportunities and resources being introduced to enrich the children's play. We are proud to take this step in enhancing the children’s overall school experience, and we believe that high-quality play is a vital component of the holistic education we strive to provide.

By embracing the principles of OPAL, Pilton Infants is ensuring that playtimes become another valuable learning experience—one that supports our goal of helping children develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need for life.