OPAL open day: Chobham Harris Academy, Newham, London

Are you thinking about starting the OPAL primary programme at your school?

The programme supports schools in developing key areas related to policy, planning, risk management, staffing, design, grounds development, resources, and playwork training.

See for yourself what an amazing playtime looks like at Chobham Harris Academy, a three-form entry all through school in Newham, London.

At Chobham, the primary and secondary schools share a large and varied playground, where the whole primary phase (over 600 pupils) comes out for playtime between 12pm and 12:55pm.

You will see how they have adapted the different areas for different play needs, including scooting, sand, slime, mud, music, and den building. The play team works together to manage and develop the space to meet all the children's needs, including supporting a wide range of SEND students.

In addition, Chobham has exemplary tidying up, as the secondary pupils use the same space from 1pm to 2pm.

Chobham was awarded an OPAL Platinum Award in May 2025. On achieving this, Amanda King, Vice Principal Primary, said:"OPAL has transformed our attitudes towards play in a positive way that ensures we go above and beyond to provide our pupils with a rich play offer that meets everyone's needs. Our pupils LOVE playtimes, and parents do too."

Are you current OPAL school?

Stay for the afternoon to meet other OPAL schools and take part in a workshop focused on strengthening risk systems, managing play teams, and sourcing and storing play resources. The workshop will be tailored to the attendees.

Agenda

11am–11:15am Arrival and refreshments

11:15am–12pm Introduction to OPAL

Hear from the headteacher or curriculum lead will share a summary of the impact the OPAL has already made. This will be followed by an introduction to the OPAL Primary Programme, led by the OPAL Mentor alongside the CLP or Headteacher, covering how the programme works, the costs and challenges involved, and how it can transform playtimes to be amazing for every child, every day.

12pm–1pm Playtime observation

Come and see an OPAL playtime in action – ask the children about how they manage risk and the grown-ups about the changes they have seen. Current OPAL schools will join at this point.

1pm–1:05pm Photo opportunities

1:05pm–1:15pm Non OPAL schools leave

1:15pm–1:30pm Welcome to current OPAL schools

You’ll be welcomed to the school by the Headteacher or Curriculum Lead, who will share a summary of the impact OPAL has had so far. They will also explain how this was achieved, highlight some of the key challenges faced along the way, and describe how these were successfully overcome.

1:30pm–2:15pm Key skills workshop

The workshop will focus on developing our teams, increasing opportunities for positive risk-taking, and planning our playgrounds – all tailored to the needs of the group.

2:15pm–2:30pm OPAL networking

This is an opportunity to network and share ideas with other OPAL schools.

2:30pm–2:45pm Next steps, evaluation and close

Times are subject to alterations of up to 30 minutes. In the week before the event, attendees will receive an email confirming times.

Additional information

Travel

There is very easy public transport to Chobham, as it is close to both Stratford Station and Stratford International, making it accessible from across the South East. Lime bikes and taxis are readily available from the stations, there are plenty of buses, and it’s also an easy walk.

There is no free car parking nearby, but a multi-storey car park is available at Westfield, about a 15-minute walk away.

Refreshments

Tea and coffee will be available. We are not providing lunch. There will be time to eat your own packed lunch, or there are plenty of cafes nearby for after the event.

Cancellation

We keep numbers small so sign up soon. Please let us know if you can no longer come so we can release your place to another school.

Dress code

Please dress appropriately for the weather – we will be outside whatever the weather.

DBS, Identification and PhotographyPlease bring identification and your DBS certificate, if you have one. During the visit, you will be expected to remain with either the OPAL Mentor or a member of school staff.

Please do not take photos during lunchtime. There will be time after playtime to photograph play features.

About the OPAL Primary Programme

The OPAL Primary Programme is an award-winning mentor-supported school improvement programme that addresses all the areas that schools must plan for if they want to strategically and sustainably improve the quality of their play opportunities.

There are over 2000 OPAL schools across the UK and around the world, over 250 of them in London and the South East of England.

Find out more: www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk

About Chobham Harris Academy

Chobham Harris Academy is a 600-pupil primary school within an all-through academy, serving children and young people aged 3–18. It is located in Stratford, Newham, next to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Around 41% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, and more than 50 languages are spoken within the school community. The academy is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

The primary and secondary phases share a well-sized playground. Although the school does not have a field, it offers several grassed areas, planted spaces, and gardens, all of which are fully accessible to children at playtime.

Chobham began its OPAL journey in October 2023 and achieved its first OPAL Platinum Award in summer 2025. Their play offer is now recognised as outstanding, ensuring every child enjoys a fantastic playtime every single day – see their Chobham Friends Instagram for more!https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCzPKuuodZG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==