Oxfordshire Play Association (OPA)

Oxfordshire Play Association (OPA) was established as a charity in 1974. An elected Executive Committee (the Trustees) has overall responsibility for the organisation’s direction and management, assisted by the staff team.

For over 35 years, OPA has been one of the lead organisations in Oxfordshire to promote high quality play opportunities across the county for all children and young people aged 0 – 16 years.

Mission
OPA’s mission is to champion and to support the rights of all children and young people to have access to high quality inclusive play opportunities.

Purpose and Values
In support of OPA’s mission, emphasis is placed on:Promoting the importance of play in the lives of children and young peoplePromoting an understanding of play and playwork valuesIdentifying the needs of children and young people in play environments and working positively towards fulfilling these needsActing as a voice for play leaders and playworkersPromoting and supporting the need for a qualified playwork workforceProviding a range of services to support the creation of high-quality, inclusive playwork settingsSupport policy makers in making decisions that impact positively on playProvide representation on partnerships and agencies that influence play.