Platinum Standard Play Provision

At Newark Hill Academy, play is at the heart of our vision for child development. We believe that every child deserves rich, high-quality opportunities to play, explore, create and develop essential life skills every day.

We are proud to have embedded the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) approach across our school and have achieved the OPAL Platinum Award, recognising the exceptional quality of our play provision and our commitment to providing outstanding play opportunities for all children.

Our OPAL journey has transformed playtimes into meaningful learning experiences where children develop confidence, resilience, independence, creativity and social skills. Play is not simply a break from learning; it is a vital part of how children learn about themselves, others and the world around them.

Why Play Matters

Research consistently shows that high-quality play supports children's:

• Physical health and wellbeing
• Social and emotional development
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Resilience and problem-solving abilities
• Creativity and imagination
• Independence and self-regulation

These outcomes align closely with the EEF's focus on self-regulation, social and emotional learning and metacognitive development, as well as the Department for Education's commitment to developing the whole child.

Through play, children learn lessons that cannot always be taught directly in the classroom. They learn to negotiate, collaborate, take managed risks, solve problems, persevere and build relationships.

Recognised for Excellence

Newark Hill Academy is recognised as a leading example of excellent play provision.

Our OPAL approach is fully established across the school and forms an important part of our wider commitment to children's personal development, behaviour, wellbeing and achievement.

As a Platinum OPAL school, we are proud to:

• Welcome visitors from schools across the local area and beyond.
• Host showcase events where educational leaders can see OPAL in action.
• Share best practice with schools beginning their own OPAL journey.
• Demonstrate how high-quality play can positively impact behaviour, wellbeing and engagement.
• Support the development of play-rich school environments nationally.

Our showcase days provide opportunities for teachers, school leaders and educational professionals to see first-hand how high-quality play transforms children's experiences at school.

Visitors regularly observe children collaborating, creating, taking responsibility, solving problems and fully engaging in purposeful play opportunities across our extensive outdoor environment.

What OPAL Looks Like at Newark Hill

Children have access to a wide range of play experiences, including:

• Den building and construction
• Imaginative and role play
• Loose parts play
• Small world play
• Sports and physical challenges
• Creative activities
• Nature and exploration areas
• Social spaces for conversation and friendship
• Opportunities for leadership and teamwork

Our aim is simple: every child should be able to find something that excites, challenges and inspires them during playtime.

Preparing Children for Life

The skills developed through play are the same skills children need to succeed throughout their education and later life.

OPAL supports our wider school values by developing children who are:

• Confident
• Responsible
• Respectful
• Resilient
• Creative
• Independent

These qualities contribute directly to our wider curriculum offer and support the personal development ambitions outlined within the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework.

Working Together with Families

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting our OPAL provision. You may notice children becoming a little muddier, taking on new challenges or exploring different areas of the school grounds.

These experiences are carefully planned, appropriately risk assessed and designed to help children develop essential life skills in a safe and supportive environment.

We continue to invite families to special events, open sessions and showcase opportunities to celebrate the incredible play experiences available at Newark Hill Academy.