Developing our Outdoor Play Range with OPAL

As part of our commitment to expanding our range of outdoor play equipment we have teamed with Michael Follett at OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning CIC.  OPAL will be working with us as consultants to identify good quality products with high play value, that are stimulating, engaging and, above all, fun for different age ranges and abilites.  Michael will be writing some expert comments which will be included in our product descriptions to help you choose the best equipment for your child.  We are also planning an "Ask the Expert" feature where you will be able to post questions for Michael to answer on the topic of outdoor play.



Michael has extensive experience in the play sector.  He is a qualified primary school teacher and has experience as a play worker and school adviser.  He spent five years working with MENCAP and has also worked in product development in the outdoor play sector.  His career includes five years as Play Strategy Officer with Bath and North East Somerset Council and six years as schools' play adviser within South Gloucestershire Council school improvement team.  He has advised the National Trust, National Lottery, NICE and the Ministry of Justice, on play related issues.  He is currently a member of the Strategic Advisory Board of Play England, the national charity which promotes children's right to play.

Michael will feature here as a guest blogger with articles on relevant outdoor play issues that will be of interest to anyone with children of their own, or an interest in this topic.  Let us know if there are any particular subjects you would like Michael to cover in his future articles.

OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning is a not for profit organisation and a registered Community Interest Company dedicated to improving the quality of children's play opportunities.

Author: Bob Bounce