Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) CIC

It's fantastic to see always active uniforms being embraced in more schools across the country. If your school is ready to make the change, you can sign the pledge here: activeuniform.org/take-the-ple...

Why this school in Derby will ditch a shirt, tie and blazer from its uniform The school says the move is practical - but it echoes a wider debate over the role of uniforms.

"Our Always Active Uniforms campaign suggests this change as a low-effort way to help children become more physically active, without adding more pressure on schools or parents."

Ali Oliver MBE, Youth Sport Trust CEO, speaking with the BBC.
www.bbc.com/news/article...

County Durham primary school collects fourth award for outdoor play Esh Winning Academy in County Durham has received its fourth Platinum Award for Outdoor Learning and Play following a successful re-accreditation.

"Our investment and commitment to outdoor learning and play has benefited the whole school community and our renewed status is testament to the hard work and dedication of our fabulous staff."

#OPALSchools

www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2582014...

Snow Day! Learning From Free Play Playing outside on snow days affords kids crucial lessons that they cannot learn at school.

How is everyone managing with the ice and snow we've had recently? Whether or not children are off for a snow day, it offers opportunity for risky, outdoor play, and it's free! All you need is warm clothes and the fresh air to let the imagination run wild.

www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/play...

If you want to see these benefits in action, come and observe an OPAL playtime at one of our open days. Find one in your region in these Eventbrite collections: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/opal-outdo...

We all know that there are lots of benefits to children from having lots of great play, but did you know there are many benefits for schools too? Here are 10 of them — we would love to hear which ones you have experienced in your school.

Youth Sport Trust Conference 2026 Tuesday 03 March (Awards Dinner) and Wednesday 04 March (Conference) at Telford International Centre

Find out more about the conference, here: www.youthsporttrust.org/school-suppo...

#YSTConference #ActivePlay #PlayMatters

A child running along a wooden trail in the school field.

We’re passionate about giving children more opportunities to be active, which is why we’re excited to be exhibiting at Youth Sport Trust's 2026 conference: Happy, healthy and thriving - a new era through PE, sport and play! If you’re coming along on 4 March, pop by and say hello!

Curious about OPAL? Come see... Are you a school leader curious about how better playtimes can improve outcomes across the board? Join us at an OPAL school! These visits are for schools considering starting the OPAL Primary Program...

Sometimes the best way to understand the impact of investing in playtime is to see it in action! That’s why our team of mentors hold open days in OPAL schools across the country. Find one near you, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...

Pupils reimagine school playground playtimes with new ideas School pupils in Barrow are leading a project to reimagine breaktimes on the playground.

"We are excited to begin this journey and look forward to seeing the benefits for our whole school community."

Chetwynde Primary School embarks on their OPAL journey!

www.nwemail.co.uk/news/2577642...

#OPALSchools

Has your school signed the active uniform pledge?
Make play times easier by ensuring an always-active uniform! 👇

YouTube video by Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Made to Move

We're delighted that more than 70 primary schools have now signed the active uniform pledge! Your school can join them, here: activeuniform.org/take-the-ple...

Has your school already adopted an always-active uniform? We'd love to hear all about it.

youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...

A photo of a group of children running across a school field.

"Physical activity is often called the 'miracle cure' by medical experts - and for excellent reason."

Great blog from Simon Hayes and Ali Oliver, @sportengland.bsky.social and Youth Sport Trust.

www.sportengland.org/blogs/lets-m... #ActiveUniformAlliance #MadeToMove

Case study: Birchanger C of E Primary School, Bishop's Stortford - Active Uniform Alliance Sharon Vessey, Headteacher at Birchanger C of E Primary School, talks about the impact of changing to an always active uniform.

"We spoke with other schools that had already adopted an active uniform, sought feedback from governors, and surveyed parents and pupils. Over 80% of children voted in favour of the change, which played a significant role in our decision-making."

activeuniform.org/case-study-b...

Did you know that our wonderful team of mentors run open days in OPAL schools up and down the country? If you’re thinking of starting the OPAL Primary Programme, here are three reasons you should come along to one.

Find an open day near you, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...

School’s platinum recognition for outdoor play A New Forest school has been recognised for its exceptional commitment to transforming outdoor play for pupils.

It's always lovely to see #OPALSchools being celebrated for their commitment to playtimes!
www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk/news/school-...

There are clearly lots of benefits to children from having lots of great play, but the good news is that there are many benefits for schools too. Are you ready to make playtime a key part of the school day? Get started here: outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/get-started/

A photo of two children playing in a mud kitchen at school. They are mixing water, mud and other natural materials i n an old pan. They look pleased with their creation.

Happy #NewYear from all of us at OPAL! The year may be new but our mission remains the same — for every child in every school to have an amazing hour of high-quality play every day.

If your school wants to improve playtimes in 2026, get started here: outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/get-started/

A close up photo of a mud kitchen. Pans and mixing bowls sit on a wooden bench outdoors with leaves, mud and other natural materials mixed in them.

If you're looking for play inspiration for the school holidays, @playscotland.bsky.social has plenty of ideas to get you started! We would love to hear which ones you try — please share in the comments.

www.playscotland.org/parents-fami...

A child playing outdoors at school. They are in head-to-toe waterproofs and sitting on a sheet of plastic in a big muddy puddle.

Wishing our community of #OPALSchools a wonderful festive break. We look forward to working with you in 2026 to make sure every child has amazing play, every day!

School near Carlisle celebrates platinum play award A primary school near Carlisle has been awarded a platinum award for its playground.

One child said: "There is fun, but OPAL is fun on another level." 😍

www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/2569822...

#OPALSchools

Thank you to every school that has been part of our journey this year. And thank you to our wonderful OPAL team for their passion and commitment to transforming playtimes.

Our vision is that every child in every school has an amazing hour of high-quality play every day – with no exceptions. As we look back on another year, here are three ways we have worked towards achieving it in 2025.

🚨 Report Published: Scottish School Grounds Survey Report 2025

We hope this report will inspire advocacy, investment, and innovation to ensure that all school grounds across Scotland are vibrant, inclusive spaces for play, learning, and community use.

www.playscotland.org/resources/pr...

A graphic that reads: Headteachers needed. Are you a headteacher passionate about student health? We invite headteachers of primary and secondary schools to participate in an international research study exploring school uniform policies that influence student physical activity and wellbeing. We're seeking headteachers to: Complete a 10-15 minute survey; Share your insights on school uniform policy; Help identify barriers, enablers and benefits of activity friendly uniforms. Please follow the link to access further information and complete the survey.

Calling headteachers in schools across England! Researchers need your voice in an international study on school uniform policies.

Your input will help shape more active, inclusive, and equitable school environments—not just in England, but globally. More: www.tinyurl.com/4bfbf3bu

Gold standard playtimes as school wins award for outdoor activities The Applegarth Primary School in Northallerton has received a gold Outside Play and Learning (OPAL) award in recognition of its commitment to…

"Playtimes at Applegarth Primary School are truly amazing where creativity and imagination happens everyday, for every child." OPAL mentor Kate Gallon

www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news/2565420...

#OPALSchools

Thousands of children benefit from reimagined play in schools programme OPAL North East is celebrating 10 years of improving children’s lives through play

"We are incredibly proud to be an OPAL school in the North East and we have been dedicated to providing high quality, inclusive play every day for 10 years."

Caroline Hodgson, headteacher at Esh Winning Academy.

www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...

#OPALSchools

Crowlands Primary joins the top 1 percent of UK schools for play Crowlands Primary School in Romford received the OPAL Platinum Award for outstanding lunchtime play, ranking in the top 1 percent of UK primary schools, reflecting a commitment to children’s …

“We believe that play is fundamental to children’s physical and mental wellbeing. By introducing OPAL, we have allowed our pupils opportunities to develop key skills in language, cooperation and collaboration.” Sarah Clark, Headteacher

thehaveringdaily.co.uk/2025/11/26/c...

Curious about OPAL? Come see... Are you a school leader curious about how better playtimes can improve outcomes across the board? Join us at an OPAL school! These visits are for schools considering starting the OPAL Primary Program...

#OPALSchools see dramatic improvements in behaviour, staff wellbeing, attendance, and much more. Want to see OPAL in action? Join us for one of our open days! www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...

Play it Forward! DOUBLE the donation, DOUBLE the play, DOUBLE the impact! Help Project Play raise money to support ForRefugees

All children have the #RightToPlay. But for the hundreds of refugee children living in northern France, the opportunities to play are extremely limited.

That’s why we’re match funding Project Play's fundraising campaign. Find out more 👇

www.justgiving.com/page/project...