OPAL Play at Lunchtime
OPAL Play
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Working with OPAL, (Outdoor Play And Learning), our vision for creative outdoor play means that children have fun whilst learning to negotiate, cooperate and share with one another.
Our school believes that all children need opportunities to play that allow them to explore, manipulate, experience and affect their environment. We believe play provision should be welcoming and accessible to every child, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, economic or social circumstances, ethnic or cultural background or origin, or individual abilities.
The OPAL Primary Programme rationale is that “… better, more active and creative play times can mean happier and healthier children, and having happier, healthier, more active children usually results in a more positive attitude to learning in school, with more effective classroom lessons, less staff time spent resolving unnecessary behavioural problems, fewer playtime accidents, happier staff and a healthier attitude to life.”
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Lunchtime Clothing
The expectation is that all children have a spare labelled PE kit in a named bag in school, so they can change if they get wet and muddy whilst playing outside. The spare labelled kit can be with the St John’s emblem or can be plain blue, non-branded sports kit, no sports team kit allowed. As our weather can be unpredictable, a spare labelled kit in school this term would be appreciated.
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All children from Reception to Year 6 |
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Spare labelled kit for all pupils to include Navy jogging bottoms, blue t-shirt, blue sweatshirt, spare shoes, spare socks. All of which must be clearly named Waterproof coat or jacket in school everyday as children will be outside in all weathers |
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Reception and Key Stage 1 |
Key stage 2 |
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Puddle suit Wellies |
Optional puddle suits Wellies/suitable shoes for wet weather |
Please contact the office if you need help with the purchase of any of these items as we have donated clothes that we can give you. Any unnamed, unclaimed, discarded clothes will be labelled St John’s and will join the donated items to be reused by our pupils.
St John's Play Team Role
All adults working at the school are members of the play team and are responsible for adhering to this policy. During playtimes, staff should act as part of the Play Team while on the playground, supporting and guiding students in their play and outdoor learning. Each member of the team plays a vital role in fostering a positive and safe environment, ensuring that all children are engaged, supported, and encouraged in their outdoor activities. It is essential that all staff collaborate, model appropriate behavior, and uphold the values outlined in the policy to create an inclusive and enriching experience for every child.
At lunch times, the following structure exists:
Play Leader - Leads and manages playtimes
Play Team - Support children’s’ play
Donations
As we work towards making our playtimes more exciting, no matter what the weather, we need some equipment to help us to do this. Donations of any of the following would be greatly received:
- Suitcases
- Guttering
- Plastic crates
- Wooden pallets
- car tyres
- Cable drums / reels
- Large cardboard boxes
- Fabric (Sheets / Saris / Curtains)
- Old wagons and buggies / strollers
- Large Buckets and containers
- Dressing up clothes / items (in good condition)
- Small toys (farm animals/ dinosaurs / dolls / cars / lego/ wooden toys)
- Pots/ pans / metal bowls/ metal spoons / spatulas / plates (plastic or metal).
If you have any of these items, please bring them to school (Blue donation boxes near the gates) or call and let us know where we can collect them from.
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