Play makes up 20% of children's primary school life. How do schools plan for this 20%? What are the roles of the play team?
An opportunity to see an outstanding OPAL playtime in action and to hear from the team at Bellfield Junior School about how they have implemented the OPAL Primary Programme and what they have learnt.
Agenda
11:50am Arrival
12pm–1pm Observation of playtime
Come and see a platinum OPAL playtime in action – ask the children about how they manage risk and the grown-ups about the changes they have seen.
11am–12pm Presentation and networking
Hear from deputy head Claire Du Toit about Bellfield Junior School's OPAL journey. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and a chance to network with other OPAL schools.
About Bellfield Junior School
Bellfield Junior School is located in South Birmingham and has approximately 300 children on roll (from Year 3 to Year 6). Bellfield is a nurturing school where children and staff strive to be the best they can be – academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
The school began its OPAL journey in March 2024 and is due for its final award in July 2025. Despite having a relatively small concrete playground, they are a testament to the fact that fabulous play can flourish in a small space with a little creativity, imagination, and determination.
The school's outdoor provision includes a sandpit, digging area, messy café, water play, den building, music, dressing up, arts and crafts, a gladiator arena, a plethora of small world provisions, and an impressive wheeled play area.
The dedicated play team is deeply committed to continually improving their play offer, led by a fantastic OPAL curricular lead and supported by a great staff and site team. The level of purposeful engagement from every child at playtime is truly fantastic!
Additional information
Parking is not available on the school site but is available on surrounding roads (away from the Bristol Road).
Only two tickets per school please. If you can no longer come, please let us know so we can release your place to another school.
