West Midlands regional meeting

Whether you are just starting out or are an established OPAL school, this session will bring inspiration, ideas and the chance to network with like-minded local schools.

11:45am–12pm Briefing

12pm–1pm Observation of playtime

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

1:30pm–2:45pm OPAL networking

Hear about Bellfield's OPAL journey and network with other OPAL schools to learn about the successes and challenges of the process, and to get top tips for your own playtimes.

Bellfield Junior School is located in South Birmingham and has approximately 300 children on roll, from year three to year six. Bellfield is a nurturing school where children and staff strive to be the best they can be – academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.

The school began its OPAL journey in March 2024 and achieved its OPAL Platinum Award in July 2025. Despite having a relatively small concrete playground, Bellfield is a testament to the fact that fabulous play can flourish in a small space with a little creativity, imagination, and determination.

The school’s outdoor provision includes a sandpit, digging area, messy café, water play, den building, music, dressing up, arts and crafts, a gladiator arena, a wide range of small-world resources, and an impressive wheeled play area.

The dedicated play team is deeply committed to continually improving their play offer, led by a fantastic OPAL curriculum lead and supported by a great staff and site team. The level of purposeful engagement from every child at playtime is truly outstanding.

Parking is not available on the school site but is available on surrounding roads (away from the Bristol Road).

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

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

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Host or Publisher OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning CIC