partner Event

Thinking about starting the OPAL Primary Programme at your school? Join us and be inspired by observing one of the best school playtimes in the country – where kids get muddy, build dens, take risks, explore, experiment and achieve every single day!

This event is for headteachers from schools interested in starting the OPAL Primary Programme. If the head is unable to attend, please send a suitable deputy. We allow for two tickets per school, so you are also welcome to bring a member of your teaching staff.

Agenda

11:45am–12pm Arrival and sign in

12pm–1:15pm Observation of playtime

Come and see an outstanding OPAL playtime in action – ask the children about how they manage risk and the grown-ups about the changes they have seen.

1:15pm–1:45pm Whinstone’s OPAL journey

Hear from the headteacher and other staff about their OPAL journey and learn more about the OPAL Primary Programme.

1:45pm–2:30pm Introduction to OPAL

An introduction to the OPAL Primary Programme from Lizzie Pringle – OPAL North East Mentor. This is a chance to find out more and to ask any questions you may have.

2:30pm–3pm Evaluation and close

About Whinstone Primary School

Whinstone is a thriving OPAL school located in Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees. The school has two tarmac playgrounds, a large field and wooded areas.

Over the past four years, enthusiastic and dedicated members of the play team have transformed playtimes to include a wide variety of engaging areas and activities for the children. They now make full use of the school grounds and have implemented excellent systems to ensure that playtimes run smoothly and are full of fun and variety. The school achieved an OPAL Platinum Award in April 2026, which is a testament to the outstanding play provision they have established.

Whether you are from a small or large school in the North East, or beyond, come along to see the transformation for yourself.

Additional information

Refreshments will be provided.

Please feel free to bring a packed lunch.

Parking is available within the local community as the school car park is limited to staff only.

There is a small parade of shops with a car park just outside of the school’s entrance.

Only two tickets per school. If you can no longer come, please let us know so we can release your place to another school.

About the OPAL Primary Programme

The OPAL Primary Programme is an award-winning mentor supported school improvement programme that addresses all the areas that schools must plan for if they want to strategically and sustainably improve the quality of their play opportunities.

Find out more: www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk