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
"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...
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
"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...
"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...
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.
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!
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?...
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
"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/
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/
A close up photo of a mud kitchen. Pans and mixing bowls sit on a wooden bench outdoors with leaves, mud and other natural materials mixed in them.
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...
A child playing outdoors at school. They are in head-to-toe waterproofs and sitting on a sheet of plastic in a big muddy puddle.
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
Thank you to every school that has been part of our journey this year. And thank you to our wonderful OPAL team for their passion and commitment to transforming playtimes.
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...
A graphic that reads: Headteachers needed. Are you a headteacher passionate about student health? We invite headteachers of primary and secondary schools to participate in an international research study exploring school uniform policies that influence student physical activity and wellbeing. We're seeking headteachers to: Complete a 10-15 minute survey; Share your insights on school uniform policy; Help identify barriers, enablers and benefits of activity friendly uniforms. Please follow the link to access further information and complete the survey.
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
