"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...

"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...

"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...

"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...

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...

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.

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!

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...

"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! 👇

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?...

"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

"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...

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/

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/

If you're looking for play inspiration for the school holidays, @playscotland.bsky.social has plenty of ideas to get you started! We would love to hear which ones you try — please share in the comments. www.playscotland.org/parents-fami...

Wishing our community of #OPALSchools a wonderful festive break. We look forward to working with you in 2026 to make sure every child has amazing play, every day!

One child said: "There is fun, but OPAL is fun on another level." 😍 www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/2569822... #OPALSchools

Our vision is that every child in every school has an amazing hour of high-quality play every day – with no exceptions. As we look back on another year, here are three ways we have worked towards achieving it in 2025.

🚨 Report Published: Scottish School Grounds Survey Report 2025 We hope this report will inspire advocacy, investment, and innovation to ensure that all school grounds across Scotland are vibrant, inclusive spaces for play, learning, and community use. www.playscotland.org/resources/pr...

Calling headteachers in schools across England! Researchers need your voice in an international study on school uniform policies. Your input will help shape more active, inclusive, and equitable school environments—not just in England, but globally. More: www.tinyurl.com/4bfbf3bu

"Playtimes at Applegarth Primary School are truly amazing where creativity and imagination happens everyday, for every child." OPAL mentor Kate Gallon www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news/2565420... #OPALSchools

"We are incredibly proud to be an OPAL school in the North East and we have been dedicated to providing high quality, inclusive play every day for 10 years." Caroline Hodgson, headteacher at Esh Winning Academy. www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e... #OPALSchools

“We believe that play is fundamental to children’s physical and mental wellbeing. By introducing OPAL, we have allowed our pupils opportunities to develop key skills in language, cooperation and collaboration.” Sarah Clark, Headteacher thehaveringdaily.co.uk/2025/11/26/c...

#OPALSchools see dramatic improvements in behaviour, staff wellbeing, attendance, and much more. Want to see OPAL in action? Join us for one of our open days! www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...

All children have the #RightToPlay. But for the hundreds of refugee children living in northern France, the opportunities to play are extremely limited. That’s why we’re match funding Project Play's fundraising campaign. Find out more 👇 www.justgiving.com/page/project...

More than 75 organisations and individuals have now pledged their support for the #MadeToMove campaign! Do you believe that it’s time to reimagine school uniforms and make them fit for a modern childhood? Join the #ActiveUniformAlliance today: activeuniform.org/partners/ youtu.be/DzKVHQY6lsQ?...

Project Play has now reached 87% of their fundraising target! We're match funding this campaign, so every £ donated will be doubled. That's double the play and double the impact! Could you help them get to 100%? Make a donation below 💚 www.justgiving.com/page/project...

#OPALSchools see dramatic improvements in behaviour, staff wellbeing, attendance, and much more. If you want to see an OPAL playtime in action, why not come along to one of our open days? You can browse events and book your free place, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...

We're really excited about this project from the Youth Sport Trust! The year-long initiative aims to demonstrate how reimagining school uniforms could be key to tackling the nation’s growing inactivity crisis among children. More, here: activeuniform.org/london-schoo... #ActiveUniformAlliance

Nature Play Survey 🍂 Dr Alex Barrable and her team at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh are looking to find out about parents' perception of nature play. If you are a parent of a child between 2-11 please take 10 mins to fill in the survey. app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/qmu/play-r...

🧩 Discover the transformative potential of Loose Parts Play Our online training covers: 📚 Theory and principles ⚖️ Manage risk in a safe way 🛠️ Creative, practical ideas Don't forget to use your member's code to get 10% off at checkout! Book your place now: www.tickettailor.com/events/plays...

Through #play, children make sense of their world. They explore, re-enact, and reimagine their lived experiences — transforming confusing or overwhelming moments into something they can manage, understand, and even master. #PlayTherapy

We're over the moon that Project Play has reached 73% of their fundraising target for their Play it Forward campaign! We're match funding this, so every donation will be doubled! Find out more about the work this fantastic organisation is doing, here: www.justgiving.com/page/project...

Wishing our community of #OPALSchools a happy half term 🥳

We’re delighted that 64 primary schools have now signed the active uniform pledge and committed to changing to a uniform fit for active play. Is your school ready to make the change? activeuniform.org/the-pledge/ @playscotland.bsky.social @playengland.bsky.social @cfyounglives.bsky.social

The amazing @gd-primary.bsky.social in Leeds has had an always active uniform since 2021. In this case study, Headteacher Lousie Hill talks about why they changed from a traditional uniform and the impact it has had. activeuniform.org/case-study-g... #ActiveUniformAlliance

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 Programme. Find one near you, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...

“Since launching the approach in September 2023, it has completely transformed playtimes for the pupils at Westcliff. The children and staff love it.” www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/blackpo...

Absolutely delighted that Project Play has raised more than £10,000 so far in their latest fundraiser. We are match funding this campaign, so every donation will be doubled - that's double the play and double the impact! Find out more and make a donation, below 💚

"This is a testament to our commitment to children's well-being, creativity and happiness every single day." Anika Hargie, headteacher at Wormholt Park Primary School www.lbhf.gov.uk/news/2025/09...

Are you a headteacher interested in improving playtimes and based around Blackpool? Join us at Westcliff Primary Academy on 10 October to see an OPAL playtime in action and to hear more about the OPAL Primary Programme. Book your free place here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-intere...

As a founding member of the #ActiveUniformAlliance, we’re calling for all primary schools to adopt an 'always active uniform' that enables children to move, play and learn all day. Join our #MadeToMove campaign here: activeuniform.org www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzKV...

Are you a school leader curious about how better playtimes can improve outcomes across the board? Join us at an OPAL open day! These visits are for schools that are considering starting the OPAL Primary Programme and want to see how it works in practice. www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...

"Huge congratulations to Blue Coat Primary School on their fourth OPAL platinum award. They are the first school in the country to achieve this. A big well done to the play team." Rachel Murray, OPAL mentor for the west of England. www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/2545545... #OPALSchools

"Pupils came into school today looking brilliant and I am so proud we have made this change." www.notreallyheremedia.com/news/all-new... #ActiveUniforms

Project Play provides play opportunities for refugee children living in northern France. We're match funding donations to their current fundraiser, so anything you give will have double the impact! Find out more 👇 www.justgiving.com/page/project...

If you’re thinking about improving playtimes in your primary school this year, why not join us at one of our open days and see an OPAL playtime in action? Find one near you, here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/curious-a...