Longshow Primary Academy has won an award in recognition of its ‘standout’ outdoor play areas
Longshaw Primary Academy in Chingford is celebrating after winning a national OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Platinum Award in recognition of its exceptional outdoor play provision.
The Platinum Award is the highest accolade a primary school can achieve through the OPAL programme and reflects the school’s standout outdoor facilities, as well as its commitment to engaging its young people in imaginative outdoor play.
After engaging with the programme over a period of 18 months working closely with a dedicated OPAL mentor, the school took part in a detailed award audit where its progress and outcomes were mapped. Having gained a 92% score, the school has entered the top 1% of schools in the world for outdoor play.
In their subsequent feedback, OPAL praised the school for its joyful playtimes with children exploring ‘tadpoles’, racing each other in buggies and dancing on their outdoor stage, as well as enjoying their new 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.”
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