Why schools are rethinking playtime this September

September is full of new beginnings. Children return from the summer break, young adults head off to University, and everyone settles into a new rhythm as autumn arrives, bringing with it time for connection, comfort, and well-earned rest.

Across the North East and Cumbria, schools are making a change too. With the new school year, some are taking their first steps towards better playtimes, while others are renewing their commitment to play and continuing on their school improvement journey.

This change to what is often an underused, under valued part of the school day isn’t being done on a whim. The impact of improving playtimes is well-documented. 

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 schools 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 wonders why they didn’t do it sooner. Here are some of the things that OPAL schools have said about the impact of investing in play:

“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.” Caroline Hodgson, Headteacher at Esh Winning Primary School

“For our pupils with SEND and those who are disadvantaged, OPAL provides low‑threat opportunities to practise social‑emotional skills, self‑regulation and fine/gross motor development in authentic contexts. The result is a quieter, safer and more connected school community where wellbeing and readiness to learn are improved for a large proportion of our cohort. OPAL is more than play; it is an integral part of our personal development curriculum.” Angela Docherty, Assistant Headteacher, Hebburn Lakes Primary School, South Tyneside

“For staff, we have seen a renewed sense of joy in being outside over lunchtimes, in part due to a reduction in behaviour and first aid incidents but also to the joy of seeing children play, have fun and make new friends right across school. We have also noticed, developed and nurtured leadership skills which have shone brightly for some staff who have been stepping into new roles.” Charlotte Haylock, Ayresome Primary School, Middlesbrough

Improve your playtimes 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 and Cumbria showcase event. If you’re ready to start OPAL in your primary school now, get started on the OPAL website.