As a rights-respecting school, we know that under the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (Article 31), play is a human right. Play is fundamental to children's physical and mental growth and well-being.

Children spend as much time 'playing' each day as they do completing English or Maths lessons. At Kimberley we expect our curriculum learning to be developmental, stimulating and high-quality and we we therefore expect no less from the play opportunities we offer.

KPS started its OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) journey in September 2024, creating and training a dedicated Play Team to plan and deliver high-quality outdoor play for all pupils. Since April 2025, the pupils of KPS have spent their lunchtimes engaging with new equipment and activities, including construction, small and loose parts, dressing-up, arts, messy play and much more. This will continue to develop over time.

Why choose OPAL?

OPAL will link with and develop our simple school rules of  being 'Kind, Prepared and Safe' as well as developing some of our key values such as resilience and thoughtfulness.

There is also research showing that schools who have implemented OPAL have found the following beneficial effects:

• More teaching time - most schools report 10 minutes more teaching time per teacher with happier, more creative and well-exercised children who are able to settle to learning much more quickly.
• Improved behaviour - OPAL schools report an 80% reduction in the use of behaviour policies and a 90% reduction in senior leadership time being spent resolving playtime issues.
• Faster core skills development - Children at OPAL schools rapidly develop creativity, imagination, cooperation, resilience, stamina and confidence.
• Inclusion - OPAL's approach makes play better for every child, every day ... no exceptions!
• Happiness and wellbeing - Play is a human need and a human right. Children and staff at OPAL schools report feeling less stressed, happier and more excited about school.