Current schools: OPAL school visit – Holy Cross Catholic Primary

This event is helpful for current OPAL schools to connect with a platinum OPAL school, get questions answered and take on new and exciting ideas.

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–2pm OPAL school networking

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

Holy Cross is a primary school located in Leicester. There are approximately 230 children on roll (from reception to year six). Holy Cross is a nurturing school where the children and staff strive to be the best they can be: academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally. The school started their OPAL journey in October 2022 and were awarded a gold level school in November 2024. They have two loose parts sheds, a large natural sandpit, a digging area, water play, den building, awesome hammocks, music, dressing up, arts and crafts, a plethora of small world provisions, a sports MUGA and a well-attended scooter/wheeled play area. The play team is very committed to continually improving their play offer, led by a fantastic OPAL curricular lead for play – and helped by their very supportive parents and local community. The level of purposeful engagement of every child at playtime is fantastic!

There is limited parking within the school site. However, there is plenty of on street parking nearby.

Tea and coffee will be available.

The visit will be led by Rob Francksen (OPAL Leicester Ltd).

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning CIC