The award comes after an intensive 18-month programme of development
Children at Model Village Primary School near Shirebrook are celebrating after the school achieved the highest possible recognition in outdoor play – the OPAL Platinum Award – just 18 months after beginning its journey.
It was awarded Platinum status by OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), a nationally recognised school improvement programme that helps schools transform playtimes and enrich children’s experiences through high-quality outdoor play. Achieving Platinum represents the highest level of excellence and places the school among the leading play-focused schools in the country.
The award comes after an intensive 18-month programme of development, during which staff, pupils, governors and families worked together to completely rethink and improve opportunities for play across the school. The OPAL programme focuses on ensuring children have access to a wide range of outdoor experiences that support creativity, resilience, teamwork, problem-solving and wellbeing.
Since embarking on the programme in January 2025, the school has transformed its outdoor environment, introducing loose parts play, den building, mud kitchens, imaginative role-play areas, wheeled play, construction resources and opportunities for exploration and adventure. Children now have the freedom to create, invent and collaborate in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Headteacher Jemma Rees said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the OPAL Platinum Award in such a short period of time. This recognition reflects the commitment and dedication of our entire school community. Our children now enjoy richer, more engaging play experiences every day, and the impact on their happiness, confidence and wellbeing has been remarkable.”
The OPAL approach is based on the principle that play is a fundamental part of childhood and should be valued as highly as any other aspect of education. Research shows that high-quality play supports children’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, social development and readiness to learn.
Throughout the 18-month journey, pupils played a vital role in shaping developments. Their ideas and feedback helped create exciting new opportunities that reflect the interests and needs of all children. Families and local businesses also supported the project by donating materials and resources, helping to create a vibrant and imaginative play environment.
The OPAL assessor praised the school’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to meaningful, inclusive and adventurous play opportunities, recognising the significant cultural change that has taken place across the school community.