At Mount Pleasant, we believe that play is a vital and joyful part of every child’s day. Through play, children develop confidence, resilience, and important social skills — all while having fun and exploring the world around them.
Children spend around 20% of their school day playing outside during breaks and lunchtimes, so we are thoughtfully designing our outdoor spaces and play opportunities to make every moment count.
We’ve recently begun to transform our approach to play, creating exciting, inclusive, and sustainable environments that promote teamwork, cooperation, and well-being. Research shows that play is essential for children’s physical health, emotional development, and overall happiness — and we see those benefits every day in our school community.
Recognising just how important play is, especially at a time when many children have less access to outdoor space and free play, we joined the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme. This partnership will bring even more creativity, adventure, and joy to our playgrounds — benefiting not just our pupils, but also parents, staff, and the wider community.
