Headteacher Tina Farr has successfully integrated play-based learning into year 1 and 2 lessons at her Oxford primary school, yielding 'phenomenal' results. This approach, which allows children to move, interact, and explore, is uncommon beyond reception in most English primary schools. Farr also removed furniture from a year 5 classroom to improve engagement, particularly for neurodiverse learners. The school recently passed its Ofsted inspection, validating her methods.
‘The impact has been profound’: the headteacher bringing play back to the classroom
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Headteacher Tina Farr has successfully integrated play-based learning into year 1 and 2 lessons at her Oxford primary school, yielding 'phenomenal' results. This approach, which allows children to move, interact, and explore, is uncommon beyond reception in most English primary schools. Farr also removed furniture from a year 5 classroom to improve engagement, particularly for neurodiverse learners. The school recently passed its Ofsted inspection, validating her methods.
Trending- 1 Tina Farr championed play through the Opal play scheme
- 2 Year 2 teacher suggested incorporating play-based learning into lessons
- 3 Farr realized freedom within Department for Education guidelines
- 4 Play-based learning implemented for year 1 and 2
- 5 Furniture removed from year 5 classroom, flexible seating introduced
- 6 School sailed through Ofsted inspection in June (2025)
- Improved energy and engagement among students
- Children working together more
- Improved self-regulation and calmness in year 5 students
- Deeper engagement in learning
- Successful Ofsted inspection
- Potential for replication of the approach in other schools
What: Headteacher Tina Farr implemented play-based learning for year 1 and 2 students and flexible seating arrangements for year 5 students at her Oxford primary school, challenging traditional desk-based learning methods.
When: Recently; the school sailed through its Ofsted inspection in June (2025); the article was published on 2025-06-11.
Where: An Oxford primary school, England, UK.
Why: To address concerns that children are growing up 'sedentary, scrolling and alone' and to align teaching practices with healthy child development and neuroscience, which indicates children learn through play. The year 5 changes were due to students struggling to sit still in a cramped room.
How: Tina Farr, after reading Department for Education guidelines, realized she had the freedom to deliver the national curriculum through play. She extended play-based learning beyond reception to year 1 and 2. For year 5, she removed traditional furniture, adding beanbags, comfy chairs, lap trays, and high desks to allow flexible seating.