Outdoor Play and Learning
Imaginative play at Timbertree.
Research has shown that children spend 20% of their school playing. To ensure that this time and our fantastic school grounds are used to their full potential our school has adopted an OPAL(Outdoor Play and Learning) philosophy that allows the children freedom to explore play in their own imaginative ways, often using resources found and gathered in the natural outdoor environment.
What is the OPAL approach to play?
An OPAL approach promotes a more inclusive play environment in which all children benefit from more opportunities to express themselves and play in new ways. Our OPAL journey will began in February this year as we work hard to transform our play provision. Our children are very excited about the new outdoor opportunities that are coming soon with so much more for them to do, no matter the weather! From playing with tyres ,planks, digging in the sandpit, riding scooters and balance bikes, playing with a range of loose parts, enjoying imaginative play in the small world area, or cooking up a storm in the mud kitchen, OPAL offers an exciting alternative to the standard playground activities.
Keep an eye on your Class Dojo sites for pictures and requests for loose parts!
Curricular Leader: Mrs Harjit Chahal
Play Leaders: Mr Ryan Dwyer
Play team: The team responsible for children’s play, including lunchtime supervisors, teaching assistants and 1:1 staff. During the play sessions there is an ongoing RBA Risk benefit assessment.
Timbertree Play Rangers
We will have a group of children from across the classes who support play and help the play team. They can be easily identified by their high visibility jackets!
Play Governor: Mrs Gill Bestwick