Current schools: OPAL school visit - Pear Tree Mead Academy

The OPAL Primary Programme is the premier award winning programme helping schools to make every playtime amazing for every child.The programme was developed by Michael Follett, a former school improvement adviser and teacher who has spent the past 23 years specialising in creating this programme to support school improvement through better play.  The OPAL programme has been delivered to around 1000 schools in the UK and is rapidly expanding in Canada, SE Asia and all across Europe. There are 22 mentors delivering the programme, and you can get in touch to request a free introduction session via the website.Find out more: http://outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk

OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning CIC

Play makes up 20% of children's primary school life. See how an OPAL school makes playtime a key part of their day.

Pear Tree Mead Academy

London and South East events

Are you a school based in the South East? Whether you are already engaged in the OPAL Primary Programme, or you are thinking about joining and want to find out more, find an event for you in this regional collection.

<h3>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?</h3>This event is for schools who are currently undergoing the OPAL Primary Programme and want to see how another OPAL school is making playtime amazing!<h3>Agenda</h3>12pm–1:15pm Playtime observationCome 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.1:15pm–2:30pm OPAL networkingDiscuss your journey with other OPAL school colleagues – share your successes, top tips and ways to overcome some of the challenges.<h3>About Pear Tree Mead Academy</h3>Pear Tree Mead Academy is a two-form entry school in Harlow. They embarked on their OPAL journey in November 2023 and were awarded their OPAL Platinum Award in May 2025. Initially, the focus of the programme, was to support a number of KS1 pupils with SEMH needs. This proved to be so successful that the OPAL Primary Programme then expanded further to cover all areas of the site, ensuring all pupils had equal access to a rich and fulfilling play offer, every single day.Pear Tree Mead Academy boasts over 30 play zones across the site! This offer includes a huge sandpit and digging area, a mud kitchen and village, a wheeled zone, a large water play zone, small world areas, an extensive loose parts zone, the ‘Hide-Away’, a museum area, a stone and pebble area, a football, sports and activities area, plus a stage with music and dressing up. There is a passionate commitment to continue to develop and enhance playtimes further, with all staff, children and parents taking an active role.<h3>Additional information</h3>There is limited parking at the school but plenty of free parking available on the surrounding streets.Tea and coffee will be available but please bring your own lunch.The visit will be led by Nicola Barrett (OPAL South East England Ltd).Only two tickets per school. If you can no longer come, please let us know so we can release your place to another school.