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10 minute reads, Children's rights, OPAL, School, schools - September 14, 2025

'School-ready' or not?

The first couple of weeks back at school, and with it, familiar anxieties about whether the latest cohort of Reception-aged children have arrived 'school-ready'. It seems In every school we visit – and we’re working with over 150 – Reception teachers are telling us many children can’t jump with two feet together, walk backwards or stand on one leg. Cath Prisk has a prescription to make sure children are meeting their developmental goals...

The real danger is no danger

How many people complain how young people today are incapable and lack resilience? Taking part in risky play is the way children learn their limits and capabilities, and develop the ability to overcome adversity, that all-important 'grit'.

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March 30, 2024

The adventure of the balance beam...

Standing, sitting upright, holding a pencil: how many hours of work do you have to put in to master these everyday practices? Children need to get outdoors and move if they are to develop physically - it's why we we campaign to get kids outside every day: climbing, running, jumping, looping the loop.

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March 30, 2024

Outdoor play - the evidence

There is an growing body of research to show outdoor play is critical to children’s social, emotional and academic development. Our 2018 literature review brings together the evidence showing how play benefits children and young people.