OPAL - Outdoor Play and Learning
The Arboretum Way to Play
At Arboretum Primary School we believe that all children and young people have the right to good quality play that makes lunch times really memorable. Playing outdoors enhances learning and is fundamental for children and young people to thrive, be creative, develop their imagination and generally have a great time at school. With the rise of technology and screen time in children's lives, we recognise childhoods have changed but children haven't. We feel passionately about providing children with great play: making mud pies, building dens, play fighting with foam swords, dancing to music and foam and water play to name but a few.
To this end, we are implementing the OPAL Primary Programme and are enjoying many fantastic benefits at these early stages. We adopt an ‘access all areas, in all weathers’ approach, where pupils have access to green space, varied environments and a wealth of play opportunities through a wide range of play equipment, small and large loose parts and much, much more. One year 5 pupil beautifully summed up lunchtime by saying, " This school is so much fun".
The Arboretum Way to Play - Play Policy