Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) comes to Perth

How better play improves school performance: TALK

Michael Follett, director of the award-winning Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) program in the UK, is coming to Perth for a series of talks and to conduct training for OPAL mentors.

Michael with our own Emma in the UK recently

Michael works with schools to develop a strategic and policy based approach to improving play. The focus is on creating lasting and significant change in play provision, due to the multitude of benefits that result from excellent play experiences. These benefits extend to all areas of children’s wellbeing and learning; physical, cognitive, social and emotional and general wellbeing.

Nature Play Solutions is hosting Michael in Perth for a 2 week visit. Michael has worked in an advisory capacity for The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), The National Trust, The National Lottery, The Ministry of Justice, Play England (National Children's Bureau) and the Football Association (FA). He is also a Qualified Teacher, Playworker, has been a School Play Advisor, a Play Strategy Officer, and for twelve years has been speaking, writing and training others about Play.

Your invitation

We invite Principals, Teachers, Educators and Parents to come along to one of a series of Free Talks to learn more about PLAY and the OPAL Program.

Despite the pressures of curriculum and assessment, schools acknowledge that they are more than a data transfer system. They are there to equip, prepare and develop each child's potential. Time spent dealing with the negative outcomes from poor quality playtimes is wasting money, if that time could be spent in greater achievement of the school’s purpose. In our busy, structured, digital world, opportunities for excellent play experiences at school are more important than ever.

Michael’s talks aim to raise the profile and understanding of PLAY. He will also talk about the OPAL program and how it has changed play in UK schools.

Details - 2 talks available

Joondalup

• Topic: How better play improves school performance
• MONDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER
• @ Lake Joondalup Baptist College
• 8 Kennedya Drive, Joondalup
• 4.00-5.30pm
• Light refreshments will be available.

Thornlie

• Topic: How better play improves school performance
• THURSDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER
• @Forest crescent Primary School
• Forest Crescent, Thornlie
• 4.15-5.45pm
• Light refreshments will be available.

For catering purposes, please rsvp to opal@natureplaysolutions.com.au.

If you would like to host a play talk at your school while Michael is here in Perth, or find out more about the OPAL program, please contact Emma at opal@natureplaysolutions.com.au.