A photo of children engaged in parachute play. Text overlaid reads: Are you a primary school teacher who wants to improve play provision for children living on the UK-France border? The Project Play logo is in the bottom right corner.

The amazing Project Play team is inviting primary school teachers to Calais to learn about the experience of children on the border and to help them raise awareness and funds. Find out more and apply: www.project-play.org/teachers

At OPAL, we have a really simple mission — for every child to have an outstanding playtime every day, with no exceptions!

Are you interested in unlocking the power of playtime? Get started today: outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/get-started/

“Streets for play, streets for freedom” by @aliceferguson.bsky.social & @timrgill.bsky.social makes the case for a "child lens" on transport policy. Time to prioritise those most impacted yet least considered in planning our streets: Children.

Read more here: playingout.net/take-action/...

A photo of a child on a tyre swing at school.

Wishing our amazing community of #OPALSchools a fantastic Easter break. Thank you to everyone that has shared their OPAL playtimes this term and brought so much joy to our social feeds!

Celebrations at Worksop school recognised for outstanding play provision Redlands Primary and Nursery School in Worksop have been awarded the prestigious OPAL Platinum Award - becoming the first and currently the only school in Worksop to reach the milestone.

“Play is crucial to a child’s brain development and we are incredibly proud of the high quality play opportunities happening in our school." Headteachers Mrs Hollinger and Mrs Willford, Redlands Primary and Nursery School.

www.worksopguardian.co.uk/education/ce...

#OPALSchools

OPAL winter play at Brookside Primary School YouTube video by Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)

We are in love with this new film from Brookside Primary School in Leicestershire, which shows how they have amazing playtimes every day, whatever the weather!

youtu.be/PNs0yPBaSDU?...

Princes Risborough Primary School celebrates highest possible national accolade with Platinum OPAL Award for outstanding outdoor play Princes Risborough Primary School, part of Great Learners Trust, has achieved the Platinum Award for OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), putting the school in the top 1% of all primary schools nationall...

“We are committed to ensuring quality play opportunities are available to all our children and believe that play is essential for physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual development." Amy Howlett, Headteacher.

www.hemeltoday.co.uk/education/pr...

#OPALSchools

OPAL in Cumbria YouTube video by Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)

What a fantastic new film from the OPAL North East team, who also work across #Cumbria to bring children amazing playtimes every day. This is a must-watch for if you want to see how #OPALSchools get out to play when it’s wet and muddy!

Watch now, here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRb3...

A photo of a child on a swing at school.

Interesting report from the University of Winchester and Energise Me looking at the impact of active uniforms at St Michael’s CE Junior School in Aldershot.

www.energiseme.org/news/could-a...

#ActiveUniforms #ActivePlay #ActiveUniformAlliance

Primary school becomes first in St Albans to achieve award for playtime provision Oakwood Primary School in St Albans has become the first in the district to achieve a platinum award for its lunchtime provision.

"This award isn’t simply recognition of a transformed playground; it reflects a genuine cultural shift and a deep belief that play truly matters." OPAL mentor, Louise Taffe

Congratulations to Oakwood and all the other recently awarded #OPALSchools!

www.hertsad.co.uk/news/2588959...

Home - Active Uniform Alliance Introducing the Made to Move campaign Let’s redefine school uniforms for our children Watch the Made to Move campaign video Our vision is simple yet powerful Traditional uniforms restrict movement, li...

It's great to see active uniforms being talked about in the media. If your school is ready to make the change, you can find out more on the Made to Move campaign website (www.activeuniform.org), where you can also sign the active uniform pledge! #ActiveUniformAlliance

Why some schools are pushing for 'active' uniforms over traditional ones Proponents say relaxed uniforms make life easier for children and are much more practical for physical play.

"PE lessons are 20 minutes longer now since pupils don't need to get changed, they don't have to worry about bringing their sports kit, the uniform is quick drying and doesn't need ironing, and pupils are more active in the playground."

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

It's fantastic to see always active uniforms being embraced in more schools across the country. If your school is ready to make the change, you can sign the pledge here: activeuniform.org/take-the-ple...

Why this school in Derby will ditch a shirt, tie and blazer from its uniform The school says the move is practical - but it echoes a wider debate over the role of uniforms.

"Our Always Active Uniforms campaign suggests this change as a low-effort way to help children become more physically active, without adding more pressure on schools or parents."

Ali Oliver MBE, Youth Sport Trust CEO, speaking with the BBC.
www.bbc.com/news/article...

County Durham primary school collects fourth award for outdoor play Esh Winning Academy in County Durham has received its fourth Platinum Award for Outdoor Learning and Play following a successful re-accreditation.

"Our investment and commitment to outdoor learning and play has benefited the whole school community and our renewed status is testament to the hard work and dedication of our fabulous staff."

#OPALSchools

www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2582014...

Snow Day! Learning From Free Play Playing outside on snow days affords kids crucial lessons that they cannot learn at school.

How is everyone managing with the ice and snow we've had recently? Whether or not children are off for a snow day, it offers opportunity for risky, outdoor play, and it's free! All you need is warm clothes and the fresh air to let the imagination run wild.

www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/play...

If you want to see these benefits in action, come and observe an OPAL playtime at one of our open days. Find one in your region in these Eventbrite collections: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/opal-outdo...

We all know that there are lots of benefits to children from having lots of great play, but did you know there are many benefits for schools too? Here are 10 of them — we would love to hear which ones you have experienced in your school.

Youth Sport Trust Conference 2026 Tuesday 03 March (Awards Dinner) and Wednesday 04 March (Conference) at Telford International Centre

Find out more about the conference, here: www.youthsporttrust.org/school-suppo...

#YSTConference #ActivePlay #PlayMatters

A child running along a wooden trail in the school field.

We’re passionate about giving children more opportunities to be active, which is why we’re excited to be exhibiting at Youth Sport Trust's 2026 conference: Happy, healthy and thriving - a new era through PE, sport and play! If you’re coming along on 4 March, pop by and say hello!

Curious about OPAL? Come see... Are you a school leader curious about how better playtimes can improve outcomes across the board? Join us at an OPAL school! These visits are for schools considering starting the OPAL Primary Program...

Sometimes the best way to understand the impact of investing in playtime is to see it in action! That’s why our team of mentors hold open days in OPAL schools across the country. Find one near you, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...

Pupils reimagine school playground playtimes with new ideas School pupils in Barrow are leading a project to reimagine breaktimes on the playground.

"We are excited to begin this journey and look forward to seeing the benefits for our whole school community."

Chetwynde Primary School embarks on their OPAL journey!

www.nwemail.co.uk/news/2577642...

#OPALSchools

Has your school signed the active uniform pledge?
Make play times easier by ensuring an always-active uniform! 👇

Made to Move YouTube video by Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)

We're delighted that more than 70 primary schools have now signed the active uniform pledge! Your school can join them, here: activeuniform.org/take-the-ple...

Has your school already adopted an always-active uniform? We'd love to hear all about it.

youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...

A photo of a group of children running across a school field.

"Physical activity is often called the 'miracle cure' by medical experts - and for excellent reason."

Great blog from Simon Hayes and Ali Oliver, @sportengland.bsky.social and Youth Sport Trust.

www.sportengland.org/blogs/lets-m... #ActiveUniformAlliance #MadeToMove

Case study: Birchanger C of E Primary School, Bishop's Stortford - Active Uniform Alliance Sharon Vessey, Headteacher at Birchanger C of E Primary School, talks about the impact of changing to an always active uniform.

"We spoke with other schools that had already adopted an active uniform, sought feedback from governors, and surveyed parents and pupils. Over 80% of children voted in favour of the change, which played a significant role in our decision-making."

activeuniform.org/case-study-b...

Did you know that our wonderful team of mentors run open days in OPAL schools up and down the country? If you’re thinking of starting the OPAL Primary Programme, here are three reasons you should come along to one.

Find an open day near you, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...

School’s platinum recognition for outdoor play A New Forest school has been recognised for its exceptional commitment to transforming outdoor play for pupils.

It's always lovely to see #OPALSchools being celebrated for their commitment to playtimes!
www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk/news/school-...

There are clearly lots of benefits to children from having lots of great play, but the good news is that there are many benefits for schools too. Are you ready to make playtime a key part of the school day? Get started here: outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/get-started/

A photo of two children playing in a mud kitchen at school. They are mixing water, mud and other natural materials i n an old pan. They look pleased with their creation.

Happy #NewYear from all of us at OPAL! The year may be new but our mission remains the same — for every child in every school to have an amazing hour of high-quality play every day.

If your school wants to improve playtimes in 2026, get started here: outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/get-started/