OPAL Director Michael Follett shares why he doesn’t believe any primary school catch up plan is sufficient without addressing the quality and sufficiency of play for every child.
Ben Tawil and Mike Barclay, OPAL School Mentors and Directors of Ludicology, make the case for risky play – throughout the winter and all year round.
Neil Coleman, OPAL Mentor, sets out how schools can use their limited funds more positively and efficiently so that the entire school can benefit.
We believe that the provision of plenty of quality outdoor play is more important than ever. Here are five top tips to help your school navigate playtimes during the pandemic.
Michael Follett, OPAL Director, explores whether playtimes have been reduced in Primary Schools due to Covid-19 measures and highlights the consequences such a move could have for children.
The funding will mean OPAL can work with many more schools, carers and parents to ensure all children have a childhood filled with fun, active outdoor play.
The coronavirus lock-down has meant life has changed dramatically for children and simple everyday activities present new challenges. If children are to thrive, as well as making sure our children feel safe and are well looked after, we also need to allow play to continue.
Play is essential to the mental and physical well being of children wherever they are. During the period of lock-down we will continue to support schools, parents and carers with ideas to enrich children’s play opportunities.
Schools want to improve playtimes, they may want to improve behaviour, create happier playtimes, increase physical activity or mental well-being. But it is not a matter of simply laying some playground markings, putting in a trim trail or adding a few loose parts.
A blog for Outdoor Classroom Day by OPAL Director Michael Follett. Never mind complicated playground games or playground equipment if you want to improve behaviour and well-being in schools the answer is better play.!