About OPAL at Hardwick

At Hardwick we know that under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 31, play is a human right. All state parties have a duty to ensure every child has access to play. The need of play is fundamental to children's physical and mental well-being.

At Hardwick our aim is that every child in has an amazing high-quality play every day.

In January 2023 we started OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Project to develop high quality provision for outdoor play. Children and staff have been thoroughly enjoying the change. The children have been amazing with accessing the new equipment and activities e.g. arts, crafts, messy play, water play, construction, small and large loose parts, board games, jigsaws, ball games, scooters, dressing-up and many more. The children have been enjoying the variety of play environments and making many lovely memories with their friends.