Longshaw Primary Academy in Chingford achieved the prestigious Platinum Award, the highest accolade available through the OPAL programme, while The Galfrid School received a Gold Award following its work to transform playtimes for pupils.
After 18 months working closely with an OPAL mentor, Longshaw Primary Academy underwent a detailed audit of its outdoor play provision and achieved a score of 92%, placing it among the top 1% of schools worldwide for outdoor play.
In its feedback, OPAL praised the school's vibrant playtimes, where children can enjoy activities ranging from exploring nature and racing buggies to performing on an outdoor stage and playing in a sandpit.
Patricia, a Year 5 pupil at the school, said:
"What I like most about OPAL playtimes is that there are so many different things to do and everyone can find something they enjoy. As a Year 5 pupil, I love having the freedom to be creative, or dance, or run and climb, play with younger and older children, and make up our own games. Playtimes are much more exciting, and me and my friends always come back to class happy and ready to learn."
Jane Woods, Principal at Longshaw Primary Academy, said:
“We are so pleased to have won this national award. Our commitment to outdoor play forms a key part of how we are delivering an Education with Character to our pupils – providing them with opportunities to strengthen their creativity, develop their imaginations and spend time outdoors engaging with their peers. We have found – and research has proven – that all these benefits translate to improved learning in the classroom and we look forwarding to continuing to find new and exciting ways to involve our children in outdoor play.”
Meanwhile, The Galfrid School secured a Gold Award after two years of work to enhance pupils' playtime experiences, supported by local play expert and OPAL mentor Sam Fletcher.
The school's outdoor provision now includes a wide range of activities and resources, including a mud kitchen, water play, a sandpit, dressing-up costumes and a full-sized boat, helping to ensure every child can find something they enjoy.
Claire Macfie, Head Teacher at The Galfrid School, said:
"We began looking at improving play times in order to support children to develop their social skills, to become more resilient and to enhance their overall enjoyment of school. I am delighted that two years on we have received a Gold Award. This is testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of the Play Team who came up with some fantastic ideas for making play time as fun and as inclusive as possible. You can tell children love lunchtimes because of the noise they make in the playground - singing, laughing, encouraging each other and generally having fun."
Sam Fletcher, OPAL mentor, said:
“I was delighted to present The Galfrid School with their Gold OPAL award for their commitment to improving play opportunities for every child. When you step into the playground, you will witness a hive of activity. Children are playing in the giant sandpit, making concoctions in the mud kitchen, and singing and dancing on the stage. There is so much choice that every child can find something they want to do. It is truly magical to watch.”
OPAL CIC, the non-profit organisation behind the award-winning OPAL Primary Programme, has supported more than 2,000 schools since 2011 to improve the quality of children's play opportunities and playtimes.