Playtimes in schools are hugely important to children but can be undervalued by adults. At this session, the third OPAL online open day, we will launch the OPAL literature review, 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 will be:

• Michael Follett, Outdoor Play and Learning CIC Founder and Director Introducing the OPAL Primary Programme

• Professor Helen Dodd, Professor of Child Psychology, University of Exeter speaking on "Play and Children’s Mental Health"

• Dr. Rachel Nesbit, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Exeter speaking on "Adventurous play in schools: What helps and hinders?"

• Mike Barclay & Ben Tawil, Co-Directors, Ludicology, children’s play consultant, researcher and OPAL Mentors on "The power of play to the whole school community"

• Cath Prisk, Outdoor People CEO and Outdoor Classroom Day Champion, speaking on "The global view of playtime"

• Dr. Wendy Russel (Independent researcher into children's play and Visiting Fellow, University of Gloucestershire), Kate Smith and Ana Ardelean, authors of The case for play in schools literature review looking at the key information for strategic leaders, for teachers and school staff, and also for parents

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.