Ana Ardelean

Ana delivers the OPAL Programme across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

Ana has  17 years of experience as a playworker, play and inclusion service manager, trainer, lecturer in Childhood Development and Playwork, play consultant and researcher.

She has worked with children of all ages and abilities in different play settings in various countries - nurseries, schools, after-school and holiday clubs, playschemes and special needs support services, refugee camps and more - before moving on to play service development and international play training and consultancy.

Ana's research focus is predominantly on play in refugee camps, as well as gathering evidence for the value of play in primary school.

Ana also sits on the trustee board of International Play Association England, as treasurer and os a co-author of 'The Case for Play in Schools' report.