Why your school should invest in play in 2026

The start of the year is often seen as a time for new beginnings, most notably in the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions. These resolutions are often focused on improving our own lives in some way, with many people choosing to set goals that improve their health, wellbeing and happiness. But what if we could improve not just our own lives in 2026, but the lives of children across the North East? That might sound like an enormous task, but the solution is literally child’s play.

Schools have the power to improve children’s lives through play

“UK primary school children participate in up to 600 playtimes a year, accounting for 20-22% of the school day; supervision of these times costs £750m a year: given this, it is worth considering how this time and money is spent.” The Case for Play in Schools, OPAL CIC, 2021

With so much time spent in playtimes in British primary schools, it’s surprising how many schools don’t have a strategic plan for play. It also presents a huge opportunity for schools to be at the forefront of improving children’s lives through play.

One of the most sustainable ways to improve playtimes is through a school improvement programme such as OPAL. Schools that take part in the OPAL Primary Programme see dramatic results with a relatively small investment.

The benefits of investing in school playtimes

When we make time and space for play in schools, children and whole school communities thrive. OPAL schools see benefits in the following areas and more:

• • Physical activity: All children, including girls, SEN and non-sporty children are significantly more active.
  • Behaviour: Happy children don’t cause nearly as much trouble as bored children.
  • Ofsted: OPAL schools can easily provide evidence on their approach to wellbeing and inclusion.
  • Staff wellbeing: Supervising happier children leads to happier staff.
  • SLT time: Senior leaders report a dramatic reduction in the time they spend on resolving play conflicts.
  • Mental wellbeing: Research shows OPAL children are happier and self-report improved mental health.
  • Social and emotional development: Good play in the laboratory of life where relationships are practised.
  • Links to formal learning: Many OPAL schools report increased creativity, imagination and collaborative skills.
  • Attendance: Children can’t wait to come to OPAL schools because they have so much fun.
  • Parents: We all want our children to be happy. Well-informed parents at OPAL schools love it that their children are happier.

What OPAL schools in the North East say about improving playtimes

The benefits of improving playtimes show up in different ways in different schools. What is consistent, however, is that every school that invests in playtime asks itself why every school isn’t doing the same and pledges that they would never go back. Here are some of the benefits that OPAL schools in the North East have experienced from improving playtimes:

“OPAL has had a huge impact. Children are engaging with one another, communicating, role playing and using their imagination. They are playing with children they never would have before. They have so many more opportunities to develop physically – lifting, rolling, jumping and hanging to name a few!” Thomlinson Junior School, West Cumbria

“Behaviour issues at lunchtime are very few and far between. It’s as if they don’t have time to argue anymore because they are too busy playing! Children come back to class settled and focused for the afternoon ahead.” Roseberry Primary and Nursery School, Durham

“Every child now enjoys active playtimes, and all children have many opportunities to build friendships with different age groups. Providing a rich play environment allows the children to develop skills and evaluate their own risks. Our playground is a hive of activity which aids the wellbeing of our children.” Esh Winning Primary School

Improve your playtimes in 2026 with OPAL

OPAL is a mentor-supported school improvement programme addressing all 18 areas a school must plan for if they want to sustainably improve the quality of play. The OPAL Primary Programme blends elements of strategic school improvement practice, action planning, self-evaluation, playwork skills and knowledge, and 20 years of action-research.

If you are interested in starting the OPAL Primary Programme and want to see what it looks like in practice, come along to a North East showcase event. If you’re ready to start OPAL in your primary school now, get started on the OPAL website.