A County Durham primary school has been recognised among the country’s leaders for outdoor play after becoming one of the first in the North East to receive OPAL’s highest honour.
Edmondsley Primary Academy, near Durham, has been named an Honours School by Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL), a national programme which helps schools improve the quality of playtimes.
The Advance Learning Partnership school is one of just three in the North East – and of only around a dozen nationwide – to achieve this accolade.
Andrea Caine, OPAL mentor, said:
“I get a feeling of overwhelming commitment to play at Edmondsley.
“When you walk outside, you can see the children have the freedom to play the way they want to. It’s just magical – it makes you wish you were ten again!”
Key to the school’s achievement was the work of its Super Play Spotters – pupils tasked with helping recognise imaginative, considerate, and respectful behaviour at breaktimes, such as caring for local wildlife.
Isla, a Year 6 councillor, said:
“It’s important we set a good example for others, like teaching the little ones not to damage the equipment. And if we see they’re upset, we go and help them.”
Pupils’ favourite playtime equipment includes climbing bars, a digging area, a mud kitchen, football pitches, and more.
Alongside developing its play provision, the school community, led by the student council, raised almost £1,000 through a series of events including a silent disco, sponsored walk, colour run, movie night and family den-building event.
The money funded new swings, shelters, a slackline, as well as extra wellies and mud suits.
School councillor Kian added:
“Playtimes here are quite good. I look forward to coming to school – and definitely to playtime!”
Vicki Wood, Deputy Headteacher, said:
“This is a wonderful honour. Everyone has put so much effort into developing our play provision.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such fantastic grounds, and it’s been wonderful seeing children making the most of them every day.”
