Current schools: OPAL school visit – Grove Park Primary School, Kent

Whether you are just starting out or are an established OPAL school, this afternoon session will provide inspiration, ideas, and the opportunity to network with the curriculum lead and play coordinator at Grove Park Primary School, as well as with other like-minded local schools.

Be inspired by observing one of the best school playtimes in the country, where children get muddy, build dens, take risks, explore, experiment, and achieve every single day.

Please note: this event is for schools currently enrolled in the OPAL Primary Programme only. If you are not yet signed up, please see our new interest schools visits.

11:45am–12pm Welcome from OPAL curricular lead and OPAL mentor

12pm–1pm Observation of playtime

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

1pm–2:15pm OPAL school networking

Current OPAL schools meet to discuss the practicalities of developing your playtimes as an OPAL school, to ask questions and connect with others on the same journey.

Grove Park Primary School is a 400-pupil school in Sittingbourne, Kent. They began their OPAL journey in summer 2023 and achieved the OPAL Platinum Award in summer 2025.

Their play offer is outstanding, ensuring every child enjoys a rich, varied, and engaging playtime every single day.

The school provides an exceptional range of play opportunities, including a large loose-parts shed, a huge sandpit, plentiful water play, den building, arts and crafts, wheeled play, sport, and a gardening club. A highly committed play team continues to develop and enhance the play offer, led by a strong OPAL working group and supported by enthusiastic parents and the wider local community.

There is a car park at the school, with additional street parking available nearby. The school is approximately a 10-minute taxi ride or a 35-minute walk from Sittingbourne station.

Tea and coffee will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own lunch; please ensure it is nut-free.

Places are limited, so please book early. If you can no longer attend, let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to another school.

Please dress appropriately - we will be outside in all weathers.

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

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Host or Publisher OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning CIC