OPAL MENTORS UK TEAM

Michael Follett
Director

I am the founding director of OPAL. I am a former school improvement adviser, teacher and playworker. I now speak on play in schools and early years internationally… Find out more

Neil Coleman
OPAL Midlands

OPAL Midlands is a regional office of OPAL, established in the Home Counties to give easier access and support for schools, early years settings and organisations located in the London, East and South-East area of England. Neil Coleman, who runs OPAL Midlands, trained alongside Michael to become an accredited OPAL Mentor in early 2013. Neil is able to offer all OPAL services.. Find out more

Josh Steiner
OPAL Greater Manchester

Since 2002 I have worked in public, private and third sector organisations in roles which focus on encouraging children, young people and communities to become active and engaged in health & well-being and outdoor activities. My driving passion has always been… Find out more

Ingrid Wilkinson
OPAL North East

I have a degree in Playwork, formally worked for Play England and am expereinced in working with schools and supporting change within organisations…. Find out more

OPAL International

New Zealand

Ellie Davidson from Upper Hutt Council in Wellington New Zealand is running a pilot project with Paparangi Primary School to redevelop the schools approach to outdoor play using the OPAL Programme for Primary Schools.

Australia

Emma Lawrence from Nature Play Solutions in Perth Western Australia has trained as an OPAL Mentor in the UK and in two pilot schools in Perth. The aim of the project is to adapt the OPAL Primary Programme for the Australian school system.

Canada

Brenda Simon from Play by Nature in Toronto Canada trained in the UK to become an OPAL Mentor. Play by Nature are setting up pilot schemes to adapt the OPAL Primary Programme for the Canadian school system and to promote a strategic approach to play development throughout public policy.