We are a Platinum OPAL school!

We are committed to providing high-quality play opportunities for children, ensuring these opportunities are accessible, varied and supportive of the school's core values. Play is vitally important for children's development in physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual areas.

Through the support of the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme, we have created safe, stimulating environments that encourage exploration, risk-taking and social interaction, while also supporting independence, teamwork and resilience.

We recognise play as a fundamental right, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We carefully balance risk and safety, advocating for a risk-benefit approach to managing play and promoting children's understanding of risk. Supervision during play is designed to be supportive but not overly direct, encouraging children’s self-regulation and development of social skills.

The Play Team, comprised of school staff involved in delivering play provision at lunchtimes, plays a vital role in facilitating the play process, fostering an environment where children can freely choose and lead their play. We are committed to continually improving our play provision and ensuring inclusivity for all children.

How long is lunchtime?
Lunchtime is 12.15 – 1.15.

Where do children play?
Children are allowed to access the entire school site, with the exception of the designated Forest School areas. Reception children begin in a smaller space and are eased into the wider provision by the end of the first half term.

Can children play with other age groups?
Yes, all children are given access to the entire site, which means they can find and play with their siblings or friends from other year groups.

What is available for children to play with?
See the table below for some of the play on offer. This is not an exhaustive list and we regularly review and add to this.

How are children supervised?
The Play Team supervise and support children’s play by ranging around designated zones. The Play Team are easily identified, wearing special red Prettygate Play Team coats or high-viz vests in warmer weather. We also have our magnificent Play Rangers – responsible Year 6 children who help to make sure lunchtimes run smoothly.

Do children play outside in all weathers?
Yes, we play in rain, snow, mud and sunshine. We promote all weather play and have resources (e.g. indoor shoes, storage for outdoor clothing) in place for children to be able to get outside and play in all weather. In extreme circumstances, children play indoors but this is very rare.

To support us with this, wellies and waterproof coats are part of our school uniform. We also have a welly library and a waterproof library (waterproof trousers, waterproof coats and mud suits) available every lunchtime.