At Burbage Primary School, we believe that children benefit from play throughout their time at primary school, not just during the early years. Breaktimes and Lunchtimes make up a huge proportion of a child’s time at school which is why it is important that we get it right. At Burbage we provide OPAL which stands for Outdoor Play And Learning, this makes sure every lunchtime bring lots of positives to each child, these include:
🌿 1. Improved Wellbeing and Happiness
- Children are happier and more engaged at school, as they enjoy rich, free-flow playtime.
- Outdoor play offers natural stress relief and supports positive mental health.
- Increased confidence, creativity, and social resilience among pupils.
🧠 2. Enhanced Learning and Development
- OPAL promotes problem-solving, collaboration, and independence through unstructured play.
- It develops key skills in communication, teamwork, negotiation, and empathy.
- Children return to class more settled and ready to learn, leading to better focus and academic engagement.
🤝 3. Stronger Social Relationships
- Mixed-age play encourages inclusion and cooperation across year groups.
- Conflicts reduce as pupils learn to manage risk, share, and self-regulate.
- Pupils develop stronger relationships with staff, who take on supportive rather than supervisory play roles.
🌈 4. Inclusive and Accessible for All
- OPAL ensures that every child, regardless of ability or background, can enjoy meaningful play experiences.
- Different materials and play zones provide options for active, creative, imaginative, and quiet play.
- Supports equality and diversity by valuing different types of play and interests.
🏫 5. Part of a Whole-School Ethos
- Play becomes an integrated, valued part of school life — not just a “break from learning.”
- Creates a positive school culture rooted in trust, inclusion, and respect.
Golden Welly Award
This award has been introduced alongside our OPAL play programme. The award is an opportunity to celebrate the children and their amazing play. Children can achieve this award by using our Burbage school LIFE values of Learning, Inspiration, Friendship and Equity.
Each week, a member of the OPAL play team will be selected to identify a child to win the award which will be displayed in their classroom for the week. The chosen child will also receive a certificate and celebration during our Friday assembly.