A PRIMARY school has become the first in Northwich to win a prestigious award.
Rudheath Primary Academy and Nursery has been recognised for its dedication to Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) with a Platinum Award, the highest accolade possible.
The achievement marks the culmination of 18 months of hard work by staff, pupils, and the community.
The OPAL programme, aimed at improving the quality of play, has positively transformed break and lunchtime experiences for children at the school.
The team at Rudheath went above and beyond, collecting and donating a wide range of equipment, and setting up unique play activities not usually seen in a traditional playground.
Items such as go-karts, balance bikes, a mud kitchen, sand pit, tyres, crates, and dressing up clothes have turned the school’s playtimes into stimulating and imaginative spaces for all children.
The OPAL assessment praised the school for 'developing a rich, inclusive, and sustainable culture of play' and noted the 'real depth to the site, extending opportunities for adventurous, imaginative, and nature-based play'.
Rudheath’s outdoor play environment now offers children of all ages exceptional choice, with activities to cater to different interests, ensuring playtimes are always diverse and engaging.
The dedicated OPAL team, including the headteacher, SENCo, midday play lead, premises manager, and chair of governors, has been credited with providing 'strong leadership, clear systems, and a commitment to ongoing development'.
A new approach to playtimes includes risk assessments, ensuring children face challenges and appropriate risks in a safe environment.
Specialised training has also been provided to develop staff play skills, ensuring children’s play is well supervised.
The OPAL motto, 'Every child should have an amazing playtime every day, without exceptions', now rings true at Rudheath Primary Academy and Nursery.
The school is proud of its achievement, as the Platinum Award not only highlights the transformation of its outdoor play environment but also underscores the collective effort of the entire school community in improving the quality of life for its pupils.
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