PLAY AT THE JOHN BAMFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

At The John Bamford Primary School, we believe that play is a vital part of every child's school experience. As part of the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Programme, we are committed to creating exciting, inclusive, and high-quality play opportunities every day.

Why Play Matters

Play helps children to:

Build confidence and independence
Develop social skills and friendships
Stay active and healthy
Use their imagination and creativity
Learn to manage risk and solve problems

We want every child to enjoy playtimes and feel happy, safe, and included.

Our Approach to Play

Through OPAL, we are transforming our outdoor spaces to offer a wide range of play experiences. Children will have access to:

Loose parts for building and creating
Sand, mud, water, and natural materials
Areas for climbing, exploring, and imaginative play
Quiet spaces for calmer activities

Play is child‑led, meaning children choose how they want to play.

All‑Weather Play

Outdoor play happens in most weather conditions. To help children enjoy this comfortably, we ask families to provide:

A waterproof coat
Wellies or outdoor shoes
Warm layers in winter
Sun protection in summer

We will support families who need help with suitable clothing.

Risk and Challenge

We believe that manageable risk is an important part of learning. Our play spaces are carefully assessed to ensure they are safe while still offering challenge, adventure, and opportunities to build resilience.

Inclusion

Every child has the right to play. We design our play environment so that all children—regardless of age, ability, or background—can join in and enjoy playtime.

Working With Families

We value our partnership with parents and carers. You can support our play vision by:

Encouraging positive attitudes toward outdoor play
Providing suitable clothing
Talking with your child about their play experiences

Our Commitment

We will continue to develop our play provision through the OPAL programme, listening to children’s voices and working with families to create the best possible playtimes.