High-quality play is widely recognised as a vital part of children’s personal development and their progress across the curriculum. The recently published Plan for Play report highlights the need for a stronger focus on play within the lives and learning of children across the UK. With increasing concerns around childhood mental health and rising levels of obesity, it is more important than ever that schools prioritise pupils’ physical and emotional wellbeing.

For many children, break times provide the only chance in the school day to express themselves freely, build friendships, and engage in meaningful play. At Manor Leas Junior Academy, we support this by embedding the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) approach, ensuring that every child has access to rich, varied, and high-quality play experiences.