Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)

At Leyburn, we believe that play is not just a break from learning—it is a powerful part of it. As early adopters of the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme, we are proud to have achieved the Platinum Award, recognising our excellence in outdoor play provision.

OPAL is an award-winning, mentor-supported school improvement programme that helps schools strategically and sustainably transform the quality of their play. It is the only programme of its kind independently proven to bring long-lasting improvement to play in primary schools. With the support of an OPAL mentor, we have embedded play into our school’s culture, policies, and practices—making it an integral part of daily life.

At our school, all children enjoy nearly two hours of outdoor play every day, in all weathers. This is child-led and supported by skilled adults, allowing pupils to develop confidence, resilience, creativity, collaboration, and a love of learning. OPAL is not an add-on; it is a core part of how we nurture happy, healthy, and successful learners.