OPAL Play is an award winning school improvement programme that transforms the quality of children’s play by creating rich, inclusive and imaginative outdoor environments. Rooted in the understanding that play makes up around 20 percent of a child’s time in school and is essential for building confidence, creativity, wellbeing and social skills, OPAL helps schools develop strategic, whole‑school approaches to outdoor play. Through carefully designed spaces, a wide variety of open‑ended play opportunities and a culture that values play as a vital part of learning, OPAL schools see children who are happier, more active and more engaged, as well as improved behaviour and smoother transitions back into learning after breaktimes.