Director OPAL Leicester Ltd | OPAL CIC Business Manager | We help schools strategically and sustainably improve the quality of their play opportunities.

Joined May 2023
19 Photos and videos
Let's support the Raising the Nation Play Commission’s call for a National Play Strategy for England. Read the Final Report of the year-long independent inquiry ‘Everything to Play For': cfyl.org.uk/report/Everythin… @CFYoungLives #EverythingtoPlayFor
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Rob Francksen retweeted
‘The kids need to be able to play freely and they can’t do that if they’re in restrictive uniform.’ @GD_Primary 🏃🏽‍♀️81% of people believe being physically active during the school day helps improve children’s mood, focus, and overall wellbeing. @OPAL_CIC
Schools are being urged to adopt an active uniform policy to encourage children to be more physically active during the day. It comes as a survey found more than 3/4 of parents support the idea, and more than half believe the traditional 'office-style' uniform places too much emphasis on appearance. @nityagrajan is at school in Leeds.
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Step outside your box (classroom) and join us at the 2025 Outside the Box….Inside the Wild Outdoor Learning & Play Conference! Conference details & tickets can be purchased via Ticket Tailor: tickettailor.com/events/opal…
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Calling all parents and carers! Join us next week for a special webinar that will explore the power of play and provide you with top tips for play at home. Find out more and book your free place here: bit.ly/3Z370Bb #PlayForEveryChild
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Rob Francksen retweeted
“It’s been the most transformative and straightforward route to change lives for children for the better that I have experienced in my career so far.” Unlock the power of playtimes with @OPAL_CIC. buff.ly/46nueDU #PrimarySchool #Headteacher #PlanForPlay
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OPAL LEICESTER LTD builds on from the annual OPAL CIC work away to make plans for the future! Exciting times @OPAL_CIC
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Rob Francksen retweeted
I could not be prouder of @SedgefieldHardw for achieving a PLATINUM award yesterday for the transformation of their playtimes!!! Amazing commitment, passion and dedication resulting in truly outstanding play opportunities for children! 🥳🌟HUGE CONGRATULATIONS 🙌🏼 @OPALNorthEast
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Rob Francksen retweeted
We've had so much fun playing with the hay bales this half-term at lunchtimes! Thank you for the very kind donation from a parent. We can't wait to see what appears on the playground from September... #OPALSchools @OPAL_CIC @bethan__OPAL #HealthyBodyHealthyMind
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Rob Francksen retweeted
17 Jul 2024
Play should be recognised in public policy. Education. Housing. Transport. Health. Environment. Amazing to see yesterday’s editorial in the @guardian calling on this Government to look at the work of @OPAL_CIC and @playingout. theguardian.com/commentisfre…
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Rob Francksen retweeted
A very proud moment 🤩
Today marks the commencement of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act, and we couldn't be prouder! We can now ensure that children's rights in Scotland are protected, respected, and fulfilled. How are you celebrating? 🎊 Head to buff.ly/3sAmlXj for further information.
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Rob Francksen retweeted
🎉 Today is historic! The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is now part of Scots law, making children's rights legally enforceable in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. Let’s celebrate this huge milestone & thank all the children & young people who campaigned to make this possible. ❤️🛡️👏🏾
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Rob Francksen retweeted
When you sign up for the @OPAL_CIC Primary Programme, you are starting a process that should change your school and your children’s lives forever. Find out how you can unlock the power of playtime 👉 buff.ly/3WjedLU #PrimarySchool #Headteacher #PlanForPlay
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Rob Francksen retweeted
Children self-report that they are happiest when playing outdoors, yes - even happier than when they play computer games. This is a study conducted in Hong Kong, published in 2017 but I only just discovered it! See sciencedirect.com/science/ar…
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Rob Francksen retweeted
Fantastic to finally meet all of the people in the teams who support schools across the UK. Another 350,000 children will have access to better, more active playtimes this year because of you! @OPAL_CIC @kimleadbeater @wesstreeting @bphillipsonMP @CMcKinnellMP @lisanandy
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Rob Francksen retweeted
Annual ‘work away’ with @opal_cic colleagues from across the UK. Great to get together and #planforplay and hear about the fantastic things that are happening in #opalschools far and wide.
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Rob Francksen retweeted
“It’s been the most transformative and straightforward route to change lives for children for the better that I have experienced in my career so far.” Unlock the power of playtimes with @OPAL_CIC. buff.ly/3Y6oDzJ #PrimarySchool #Headteacher #PlanForPlay
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Rob Francksen retweeted
Great that @bphillipsonMP is our new Secretary of State. I am so relieved. Waking up as a public servant will feel better in the morning
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Rob Francksen retweeted
This afternoon we hosted our first of many @OPAL_CIC Stay and Play afternoons where family members heard a presentation from Rob then spent the afternoon playing with the children.
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