Playtimes make up around one fifth of every school day, yet many schools don’t invest time or money in planning for play. When budgets are stretched, investing in playtimes can feel like a luxury. But the impact of improving playtimes is considerable and, when play is prioritised and embedded in a school’s culture, this impact can be sustained over many years.
Investing in playtimes isn’t about expensive new surfaces, playground markings, fixed equipment or building work. It starts with actions like evaluating what a school already has, reviewing the role of adults, and introducing different types of play. Some schools do this on their own, while others work with school improvement consultants like Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) CIC. Whichever route they take, funding is needed to see the work through and sustain it over time.
This guide sets out the funding options for schools that want to improve their playtimes.
Short summary
In England, the PE and Sport Premium has been the main source of funding for play in schools. As the Department for Education (DfE) transitions from the current PE and Sport Premium framework toward a long-term partnership model, this article looks at how schools can use the transition funding to invest in play. It also covers how SEND funding, core budgets, PTA fundraising, local grants, and community partnerships can also help pay for improvements..
Why invest in better playtimes?
Amazing playtimes provide opportunities for children to make choices, move, imagine, take manageable risks and spend time with friends. Freely chosen play is valuable in its own right. It also creates opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. The best playtimes provide for all types of play, allowing every child to find something that interests them. Adopting a playwork approach can help schools embed play. Adults need to understand the value of play, their role in facilitating playtimes, and the importance of taking a risk-benefit approach.
There are lots of benefits to children from having lots of great play, and there are many benefits for schools too. Schools that invest in play can expect to see dramatic improvements in the following areas and more: Better behaviour, fewer accidents, increased staff wellbeing, more teaching and leadership time, and improved attendance.
Explore OPAL case studies for examples from schools.
What is changing with the PE and Sport Premium?
The government is shifting away from direct PE grants to primary schools in favour of a £580m PE and School Sport Partnership Network launching by Spring 2027. To ensure primary schools are supported during this shift, the government has provided a transitional buffer pot, recently expanded to £150m for the 2026/27 academic year, providing primary schools with average allocations of around £8,000 this Autumn to support ongoing physical activity provision. It is probable there will be one additional extension to the current PE and Sports Premium to allow time for the new arrangements to be put in place.
Funding for school playgrounds: using the PE and Sport Premium
Schools can use the PE and Sport Premium transition funding to pay for OPAL’s intellectual property for two years from the date of payment – a great way to get the most out of the current funding and allay uncertainty as the new funding model is rolled out. Schools that want to do this can find out more by contacting OPAL.
In addition to the OPAL Primary Programme, PE and Sports Premium can be spent on:
- OPAL Next Steps subscriptions
- CPD for the play team
- After-school OPAL play staffing
- Repair of loose parts storage
- Play consumables
- Loose parts and equipment
- Overtime hours for a member of staff to take on the non-contact elements of the play coordinator role
Find out more in our guidance for using the Primary PE and Sport Premium Funding for play.
Beyond PE funds, schools are actively utilising complementary streams to fund OPAL, including the new Inclusive Mainstream Fund, Pupil Premium, RISE funding, and Local Authority initiatives (such as Oracy and climate-related grants).
Other ways to fund better play
If play is part of a schools’ development plan, the school budget can cover investment in play as well as routine grounds maintenance, small purchases or staged improvements. Discuss priorities with the headteacher, school business manager and governors or trustees. A simple plan covering children’s needs, costs and maintenance can support decisions.
A proportion of Pupil Premium can be used as children in receipt of this often benefit hugely from the skills and opportunities improved play offers. If you have 30% Pupil Premium children at your school to fund up to 30% of the project with Pupil Premium.
The same principle applies to the Inclusion Mainstream Fund. If you can show that improved play improves inclusion outcomes (which OPAL has shown) then a proportion of a play improvement project can come from IMF funding.
The children of those in the armed services benefit greatly from high-quality play as it helps so much with integration, inclusion and social skills. For this reason, a proportion of a project could be drawn from the Service Premium.
A parent-teacher association (PTA) can fund a specific improvement or bring the community together around play. Set a clear goal, such as loose parts or storage. Donations can be encouraged through a ‘wishlist’ with retailers such as Amazon. Fundraising should support a school plan, not make access to good play depend on family donations. OPAL’s fundraising ideas for primary schools can help a PTA choose an approach.
Local trusts, council funds and community grants may support projects for children, wellbeing, outdoor space or physical activity. Check who can apply, which costs are eligible, when the money must be spent and whether ongoing costs are covered. Prepare a clear project description, cost estimates, permission to use the space and a maintenance plan.
Local businesses and community groups may contribute money, materials or skilled time. Agree what is being offered, who will manage delivery and maintenance, and how safeguarding, insurance and school policies apply. Keep children’s needs at the centre.
Schools can combine funding routes if each source pays only eligible costs. One budget might support staff development while another covers storage. Check each fund’s conditions and avoid recurring costs without a plan for future years.
How OPAL can help
The Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme helps schools develop their approach to play over time. It focuses on using space, routines, health and safety compliance, and staff practice to make freely chosen play part of everyday school life. Schools can identify what to improve now and what needs a longer-term budget.
If you are considering OPAL, review the programme pricing with your school’s decision-makers. Check any proposed use of the PE and sport premium against DfE conditions with your finance lead; OPAL cannot guarantee that a cost will be eligible. A staged plan can clarify what to fund first and how to sustain it.
Frequently asked questions
Can the PE and Sport Premium be spent on playtime?
Yes. The DfE guidance includes active break times as one way to build physical activity into the school day. A specific cost still has to meet the grant conditions and support additional, sustainable improvements. Check the planned spend with your finance team if you are unsure.
Can we use the premium to buy playground equipment?
In general, no not if the purchase counts as capital expenditure, which the grant does not allow. Repairing an existing structure while making it more suitable for loose parts storage is not capital but buying a new shed is. Fixed equipment may be classed as capital, while routine maintenance such as repainting playground lines is treated differently in the DfE conditions. Check the classification before ordering.
Can we carry unspent funding into next year?
No. Schools must spend the 2026 to 2027 grant by 31 July 2027 and cannot carry it forward or use it to pre-pay for services delivered in a later year. You can spend your PE and Sport Premium on OPAL for two years as you’re purchasing the IP, not the delivery support. Contact OPAL to find out more.