Visit us at our Open Day on Saturday 16th May, 9.30am-11.30am or apply now to start September 2026.
Play has always been a huge part of what it means to be a child. It supports their health, happiness, development and overall wellbeing. Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child reminds us that every child has the right to rest, relax, play and take part in creative and cultural activities. For us, that really matters. Play is not separate from learning – it is learning. It is how children explore the world, make sense of things, build friendships and grow in confidence.
Children spend around 20% of their time in primary school playing. That is a big chunk of their day and it deserves to be valued just as much as reading, writing and maths. It is not an “extra” – it is essential!
At Huntingdon Academy, we began our OPAL journey in 2025 because we truly believe in the power of play. This is something we are carefully building over time. We want to get it right for our children, making sure their play opportunities are rich, varied and meaningful.
We are working hard to utilise our outdoor spaces and we know that is something not every inner-city school has – we do not take that for granted. We want to use it in the best possible way, gradually developing our grounds so they support all the different ways children like to play – whether that is being active, creative, social, imaginative or just having a quiet moment.
At Huntingdon Academy, play is a big part of who we are. It is where laughter happens, friendships grow, new skills develop and learning comes to life!
Click the button below to view the Opal Play Policy.
Click the button below to view The Power of Play Times.
At Huntingdon Academy, our Opal Play Team play a really important role in making lunchtimes a positive and enjoyable part of every child’s day. They are a caring, committed group who take the time to get to know the children, making sure everyone feels safe, included and valued. The team work hard to create a calm, happy atmosphere while also encouraging fun, creativity and active play. Their dedication helps ensure that lunchtime is not just a break but a time where children can relax, recharge and thrive.
Click the button below to view the Risk benefits.
Donations play a huge part in bringing our Opal lunch times to life at Huntingdon Academy. So many of the things children love to play with are not expensive or brand new – they are the everyday items you might have tucked away at home, in the attic or in the shed. Old pots and pans, tyres, crates, dressing-up clothes, bits of fabric – these all become exciting resources across our different play zones. We warmly encourage families to support us by donating any unwanted items that could be given a new purpose through play.
Our Opal donation station is open every Monday morning, where children and families can drop items into the red OPAL bin on the playground. Your contributions make a real difference, helping us create richer, more imaginative play opportunities for all of our children.
Have you managed to complete our Opal BINGO yet?
