North East and Cumbria: Loose parts training session for OPAL schools

Agenda

Welcome and lunchtime play observation

Visit an established OPAL school in Cumbria and observe lunchtime play in action. Speak with children about how they manage risk and chat with staff about the impact OPAL has had on their playtimes.

Regional OPAL updates

Join OPAL mentor Anna Dutson, along with colleagues from across the county, to hear updates, share experiences, and discuss developments across OPAL schools in Cumbria.

1:30pm–3:15pm Loose parts training session
A practical, hands-on session exploring creative ways to use loose parts in your school. Ragtag Arts & Community Scrapstore project leader, Rachel Sainsbury, will bring all materials and introduce new items, ideas, and projects to inspire play back in your own setting.
Bring a colleague, get involved, and have fun!

About Thomlinson Junior School

Thomlinson is a thriving OPAL junior school located in Wigton. The school has approximately 240 children aged between 7 and 11 years. It has two tarmac playgrounds and some grassy areas with trees.

Over the past two years, enthusiastic and dedicated members of the play team have transformed playtimes to include a wide variety of wonderful areas and activities for the children to enjoy. They now make full use of the school grounds and have put excellent systems in place to ensure that playtimes run smoothly and are full of fun and variety.

Whether you are a small or large school from Cumbria (or beyond), come along to see the transformation for yourself.

Additional information

There will be tea and coffee available.

The Water Street long-stay car park in Wigton is only a few minutes’ walk from the school grounds, with over 200 spaces, and costs £1.80 for two hours’ parking.

Cost: £45 per person (or £65 for two members of staff from the same school.)