The OPAL programme is
the result of twenty years
of action-research and
adventure
2000-2005
From 2000-2005 Michael worked as strategic play officer for Bath and North East Somerset Council. During this time, he often received requests for help in improving schools’ playtimes and developed a course to train lunchtime supervisors and give advice about school grounds.
2005-2011
Between 2005-2011, Michael worked in South Gloucestershire Council’s beacon school improvement service as well as leading the council’s strategic play policy implementation. The emerging programme combined the best of a structured approach to school improvement, play theory, and a trial-and-error approach of working with ambitious and innovative school leaders.
In response to the disbanding of school improvement services in 2011, OPAL was established as an independent not-for-profit community interest company with all the rights legally transferred from South Gloucestershire Council.
2011 ~
Since 2011, demand for OPAL’s insights and services to improve free play opportunities for all children in schools has steadily grown. OPAL was joined by Neil Coleman, then Ingrid Wilkinson, Kurti Birkenbeil, and a steadily growing team of experts in the fields of play and school improvement.
2019
In 2019, in recognition of the valuable national contribution the programme was making to the wellbeing and activity of children, OPAL was awarded a £250,000 by Sport England. The goal of the funding was to further improve the reach and quality of the programme and resources for schools.
2025
OPAL features strongly in the Play Commission's State of Play report. Recommendations in the report include that every school should have a plan for play and a designated strategic leader of play.
What we have learnt from all of our work is that the need to play and the fundamentals of what makes a good play environment are universal, but the ability of any organisation to provide for the needs of children depends on their values and priorities, combined with their willingness and capacity to change.
We hope that you will become part of this story and work with us to realise this vision.
Michael Follett
OPAL Founder
Our goal is that – regardless of gender, race, ability or location – every child should have access to amazing play opportunities every school day of their lives.
