Project Playtime: Evaluation of the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) programme on the wellbeing of primary-aged children in England

Evaluation of the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) programme on the mental health of primary-aged children in England, a feasibility randomised controlled trial

Status

Recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN55659573

Enrollment

Registered

2024-01-17

Start date

2024-01-22

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2024-09-23

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Mental health Mental and Behavioural Disorders

Interventions

Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) have created an intervention that aims to make playtimes better for children. The programme helps schools to provide excellent play for all children every day. It has

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Schools must be at least single-form entry (~30 children per year or more) 2. Schools will be recruited through pre-specified regions covering the SW of England (Cornwall, Devon, Bristol, Bath, Dorset and Wiltshire). If necessary this area may be expanded

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Schools primarily supporting children with special educational needs or developmental disorders 2. Recruitment is at the school level, data will not be collected regarding children in years 5 and 6 because they will have left the schools by the post-intervention phase

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
The primary outcome measures are the progression criteria which use a traffic light system indicating support for progression to a full trial (Green), or that a full trial may be possible (Amber). These are measured using the teacher-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), child-reported Stirling Wellbeing Questionnaire, survey data, observational data and qualitative interviews at the beginning and end of the study. Green criteria indicate support for progression to a full trial: - No serious concerns have arisen about the acceptability of study procedures - At least 7/8 schools are successfully recruited, randomised and retained throughout the study - Participation rates at intervention and control schools retained in the trial are at least: 80% of teacher-reported SDQ at baseline. 80% retained at follow-up. 80% of child-report Stirling Wellbeing Questionnaire at baseline. 80% retained at follow-up. No marked differences in the characteristics of the children with missing data on teacher report measures when compared to those with complete data. Evidence that play has improved at intervention schools, based on at least two of the following: scan observations, focal observations, child-report and school-staff report, - There is evidence of at least adequate reliability for scan observations, focal observations and assessment of physical activity. - Measures used to capture a range of costs and benefits based on process evaluation and qualitative interviews. - No serious negative impacts have arisen. Amber criteria indicate that a full trial may be possible, but some changes may be required and/or consideration given: - At least 6/8 schools are successfully recruited, randomised and retained throughout the study - Participation rates at intervention and control schools retained in the trial are at least: 60% of teacher-reported SDQ at baseline. 80% retained at follow-up. 60% of child-report Stirling Wellbeing Questionnaire at baseline. 60	—

Measure

Time frame

The primary outcome measures are the progression criteria which use a traffic light system indicating support for progression to a full trial (Green), or that a full trial may be possible (Amber). These are measured using the teacher-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), child-reported Stirling Wellbeing Questionnaire, survey data, observational data and qualitative interviews at the beginning and end of the study. Green criteria indicate support for progression to a full trial: - No serious concerns have arisen about the acceptability of study procedures - At least 7/8 schools are successfully recruited, randomised and retained throughout the study - Participation rates at intervention and control schools retained in the trial are at least: 80% of teacher-reported SDQ at baseline. 80% retained at follow-up. 80% of child-report Stirling Wellbeing Questionnaire at baseline. 80% retained at follow-up. No marked differences in the characteristics of the children with missing data on teacher report measures when compared to those with complete data. Evidence that play has improved at intervention schools, based on at least two of the following: scan observations, focal observations, child-report and school-staff report, - There is evidence of at least adequate reliability for scan observations, focal observations and assessment of physical activity. - Measures used to capture a range of costs and benefits based on process evaluation and qualitative interviews. - No serious negative impacts have arisen. Amber criteria indicate that a full trial may be possible, but some changes may be required and/or consideration given: - At least 6/8 schools are successfully recruited, randomised and retained throughout the study - Participation rates at intervention and control schools retained in the trial are at least: 60% of teacher-reported SDQ at baseline. 80% retained at follow-up. 60% of child-report Stirling Wellbeing Questionnaire at baseline. 60

—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
There are no secondary outcome measures	—

Countries

United Kingdom

Contacts

Public ContactBryony Longdon

b.longdon@exeter.ac.ukNone provided

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026