Lickey Hills Primary School is now an OPAL School

We’re delighted to share that Lickey Hills Primary School has officially become an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) school. This marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to giving every child richer, more imaginative, and more active play experiences every day.

OPAL is a nationally recognised programme that helps schools transform playtimes through better use of outdoor spaces, high‑quality resources, and a whole‑school approach to play. Becoming an OPAL school means we believe play is essential to children’s wellbeing, social development, and happiness — and we’re investing in it just as we would any other part of their education.

Families and the wider community will begin to see new opportunities appearing across our grounds: more creativity, more exploration, more teamwork, and a lot more joy. We can’t wait to continue this journey together and build a play environment that reflects the spirit and values of our school.

Find out more about OPAL and the story behind it.

Watch an OPAL lunchtime in action! 

OPAL Parents Guide 

OPAL LHPSN Assembly 1

OPAL Assembly 2

OPAL Bingo Class Competition! 

Our OPAL Ethos 

At Lickey Hills Primary School, play is a vital part of every child’s day. As an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) school, we believe that high‑quality play helps children grow, learn, and thrive. This charter sets out what play means to us and the promises we make to our children, families, and community.

Our Play Beliefs

• Play is essential for children’s happiness, wellbeing, and development.

• Every child has the right to play in their own way.

• Play should be active, creative, social, and full of imagination.

• Outdoor play is as valuable as learning inside the classroom.

Our Commitment to Children

• We will provide exciting, varied, and inclusive play opportunities every day.

• We will make sure our outdoor spaces are safe, stimulating, and full of possibilities.

• We will encourage children to take manageable risks, solve problems, and explore.

• We will listen to children’s ideas and involve them in shaping their play environment.

Our Expectations for Play

• Children will respect each other, the environment, and the resources they use.

• Children will be encouraged to try new things, work together, and use their imagination.

• Adults will support play without taking over, allowing children to lead.

Our Partnership with Families and the Community

• We will keep families informed about our OPAL journey and celebrate our progress.

• We welcome community involvement to help us develop and enrich our play spaces.

• We value everyone’s contribution to creating a joyful, playful school culture.

Our Vision

A school where every child experiences joyful, meaningful play every day — where creativity flourishes, friendships grow, and the outdoors becomes a place of adventure and belonging.

The LHPSN Play Charter - Written by the children at Lickey Hills Primary School and Nursery 

At our school, play is for everyone. OPAL helps us make playtimes exciting, creative, and full of adventure. These are the promises we make — and the rules we follow — to make play the best it can be.

Our Play Promises

• Everyone has the right to play.

• Everyone should feel safe, happy, and included.

• Everyone can choose how they want to play.

• Everyone can try new things and take small, sensible risks.

• Everyone helps look after our play spaces and equipment.

Our OPAL Play Rules

Be Kind

• Use kind words and kind actions.

• Let others join in if they want to.

• Look out for children who might need a friend.

Be Safe

• Use equipment sensibly and think before you act.

• Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

• Tell an adult if something doesn’t feel safe.

Be Adventurous

• Try new activities and explore new areas.

• Use your imagination — turn anything into a game.

• Take small risks, but know your limits.

Be Responsible

• Put things back when you’ve finished.

• Take care of our loose parts and outdoor spaces.

• Help keep the playground tidy for everyone.

Be Inclusive

• Invite others to join your game.

• Respect different ideas and ways of playing.

• Make sure everyone has a chance to have fun.

Meet the Team 

OPAL Meet the Team 2025 - 2026