The Case for Play in Schools - An OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Online Open Day

The case for play in schools, and hear from some of the UK's leading researchers into play within the frame of the school playground.

This event is for head teachers and school leaders interested in the evidence base behind the OPAL Primary Programme; policy makers and educationalists who shape school days and anyone interested in this often overlooked time of the day. Most of the research focuses on the primary age group, but much of our work is equally applicable to Key Stage 3 (11 - 14).

Speakers include:

• Michael Follett, Outdoor Play and Learning CIC Founder and Director

• Professor Helen Dodd, Professor of Child Psychology, University of Exeter

• Rachel Nesbit, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Exeter

• Mike Barclay & Ben Tawil, Directors, Ludicology

• Cath Prisk, Outdoor People CEO and Outdoor Classroom Day Champion

• Wendy Russel, Kate Smith and Ana Ardelean, authors of The case for play in schools literature review

What is the OPAL Primary Programme?

OPAL is an award-winning programme that helps schools improve the quality of play opportunity for every child every day. It has been developed over the last 20 years by Michael Follett, previously a teacher, a playworker and a school's advisor. The programme helps schools adopt the same strategic approach to the improvement of play as they would for literacy, maths or safeguarding. Over 500 schools worldwide have gone through the OPAL Primary Programme so far. Benefits they have all seen include improvements in children's confidence, independence, resilience and happiness. These capabilities are critical to ensuring our children have a happy transition back into school now and are ready to face the many challenges in their future.

Find out more:

www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk

Twitter: @OPAL_CIC

Facebook: @OpalOutdoorplay

Many thanks to Sport England for funding this event