Play at St Matthias: Finding Joy Whatever the Weather

All PA schools are focusing on play as a strategic priority.  Play is a vital part of learning. It builds resilience, confidence, social skills and imagination.  St. Matthias Primary School shares here the impact this is having at their school…

We have seen the most consecutive days of rainfall since 1908, but this hasn’t stopped us on the playground.   Our children have embraced every puddle and muddy moment, and our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme has helped turn even the wettest days into opportunities for creativity, collaboration and fun.  

 At St. Matthias over recent months, our playground has been transformed with mud kitchens, pogo sticks, tunnels, tyres and tumble mats. Children have been dressing up, experimenting with water play, creating with chalks and fabric, and even building their own pallet stage and crate‑based nail salon.

For children who have experienced stress or trauma, high‑quality play is especially powerful. It offers a safe space to regain control, express feelings and build trust. Open‑ended play helps children problem solve, connect with others and experience success in small but meaningful ways. It is an important part of our research into positive childhood experiences.

We’re also working hard to make sure the weather is never a barrier to great play. We’ve secured funding to purchase dry coats for every member of staff, and we are awaiting the outcome of a further bid that would provide every child with their own wellies and waterproofs. Since introducing our play strategy in September, we have seen a reduction in behaviour incidents and accidents and an increase in engagement as well as enjoyment.

Sustainability is central to OPAL, “loose parts” of everyday objects that might look like junk on our playground but become dens, vehicles, obstacle courses or anything our children imagine. These materials encourage teamwork, independence and creativity. Children have been bringing in items to donate from home and staff have been collecting cable drums and pallets from building sites!

Despite the rain, our pupils have shown remarkable resilience and joy. As OPAL continues to grow, we look forward to offering even more ways for children to explore, create and thrive outdoors. The next phase of our play drive will take us into the church meadow- watch this space!

Play is powerful — and at St Matthias, it’s becoming more magical every day.