Through OPAL, we are working to provide a variety of creative resources and play spaces that encourage cooperative, self-directed, and imaginative play. Research shows that open-ended play experiences enhance cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development, fostering skills that will serve children well beyond the playground. By supporting this initiative, you are helping us give pupils the gift of expanded learning opportunities through play.

How You Can Support the Project

The OPAL Playtime Enhancement Project is an opportunity for the entire school community to come together. We’re looking for item donations, volunteer time, and active engagement at our events dedicated to this project. Each item donated helps develop play that will bring joy and valuable learning experiences to our pupils.

Donation Drop-Off Schedule

To make your participation as easy as possible, we have a weekly drop-off schedule for specific items that will help us gradually build up our playtime resources. Please see below for the list of items needed each week:

Donation Drop-Off Schedule

  • Week 1 – 18/11/24
    • Suitcases (any size/type)
    • Items with wheels or castors
    • Briefcases (especially hard-cased)
    • Plastic milk crates, delivery crates, or bread trays
    • Wooden pallets
  • Week 2 – 25/11/24
    • Kitchen items: pots, pans, baking trays, wooden spoons, chopping boards
    • Garden tools: small spades, shovels, trowels, brooms
    • Pegs for den building
    • Buckets, nets, thick ropes, and cable drums
  • Week 3 – 02/12/24
    • Tubes (various sizes/materials, except toilet/kitchen roll tubes)
    • Fabric (large, brightly coloured sheets)
    • Foam sheets, bodyboards, camping mats, yoga mats
    • Pool noodles
    • Metal frames
  • Week 4 – 09/12/24
    • Dress-up items: hats, scarves, jazzy shirts, elasticated skirts, waistcoats, wedding dresses, character costumes
    • Non-working electronics: keyboards, torches, laptops, calculators, mobile/desk phones, cameras
    • Guttering
    • Road signs and cones

Do you know a local business that can help?

We are asking local businesses for donations of any of the following items:

  • Large cable reels
  • Tractor and car wheels
  • Plastic crates
  • Standard pallets
  • Large/medium plastic tubes

Additionally, we are  planning to construct a 12ft x 12ft sandpit and would greatly appreciate any assistance from local businesses in the following areas:

  • Sandpit design
  • Landscaping support
  • Equipment hire
  • Wood donations
  • Play-grade sand

Local businesses or individuals interested in contributing to the project can reach out to us here at Hawes Side Academy for further information.

Contact Information
Hawes Side Academy
Johnsville Avenue
Blackpool, FY4 3LN
Tel: 01253 402541
Email: admin@hawes-side.co.uk

 

Why Support the OPAL Project?

By donating items or volunteering, you’re directly contributing to creating play environments that encourage our pupils to be curious, creative, and confident. These play experiences will allow children to explore their imaginations, collaborate with peers, and develop resilience and problem-solving skills—all while having fun.

We hope to see you join us in making this project a resounding success!