Name: North East and Cumbria showcase: Horton Grange Primary School
Start: 2026-06-08T10:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-06-08T11:15:00+01:00
Location: Horton Grange Primary School

North East and Cumbria showcase: Horton Grange Primary School

Play makes up 20% of children's primary school life. See how this OPAL school is making playtime a key part of their day.
About this Event

Come and see for yourself....

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

10am–10:30am 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.

10:30am–11:15am Introduction to OPAL

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

About Horton Grange Primary School

Horton Grange is a thriving OPAL school located in Blyth. Over a number of years, the dedicated team has transformed playtimes to include a wide variety of engaging areas and activities for the children to enjoy. They now make the most of their school grounds and have put excellent systems in place to ensure that playtimes run smoothly and are full of fun and variety. The school achieved an OPAL Gold Award in October 2024, which is a testament to the outstanding play provision they have implemented.

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

Tea and coffee will be available.

There is limited parking onsite, so car sharing would be advisable.

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