At Abbey Primary School we believe that all children and young people have the right to good quality play that makes lunchtimes really memorable. Playing outdoors enhances learning and is fundamental for children and young people to thrive, be creative, develop their imagination and generally have a great time at school. With the rise of technology and screen time in children's lives, we recognise childhood has changed but children haven't.  We feel passionately about providing our children with great play: making mud pies, building dens, dancing to music and foam and water play to name but a few. 

To this end, we are launching the Opal Primary Programme at Abbey. We will adopt an ‘access all areas, in all weathers’ approach, where pupils have access to green space, varied environments and a wealth of play opportunities through a wide range of play equipment, small and large loose parts and much, much more. 

To begin the project, we are asking for donations of loose parts. Please support us to make our outdoor play amazing!

Meet our Opal Team

Opal Risk Assessment Documents

At Abbey, we are proud to be developing our play provision through the Opal approach. Like many other primary schools who have successfully embraced Opal, we are introducing a wider range of loose parts and more adventurous play equipment to enrich children’s experiences at lunchtime.

Research and experience from other Opal schools show that when children are given opportunities to encounter managed risk, they develop resilience, problem-solving skills, cooperation and independence. As part of this exciting development, we recognise that some of our new equipment and play opportunities may involve elements of risk.

Safety remains our highest priority. Our Opal Risk Assessment documents outline how we carefully identify potential hazards and put clear control measures in place to minimise risk. We use a dynamic risk-benefit approach (RBA), meaning we consider both the value of the play opportunity and how risks can be reduced to an acceptable level. Every RBA is completed with the children, school staff and the wider Opal Play Team.

Our dedicated Play Team works closely with children to:

• Regularly check equipment and play areas
• Teach safe ways to use materials
• Encourage children to assess risk for themselves
• Model and promote safe behaviours
• Review and adapt provision where needed

Children are actively involved in keeping our play environment safe. They help to identify hazards, take responsibility for equipment and support one another in making sensible choices. This shared responsibility helps to build a strong culture of safety and respect.

We are confident that by working together, staff, children and families, we can provide exciting, challenging play opportunities while ensuring that everyone remains safe.

If you would like to learn more, please read our Opal Risk Assessment documents below.