Esh Winning Primary School earns award for outdoor play

Esh Winning Primary School has been handed the 'Platinum Award' for outdoor play and learning (OPAL) for the variety of opportunities it offers to its students.

This year's award follows successful previous wins in 2015 and 2019.

The repeated success means that the school is now the only primary school in the region, and one of just four in the UK, to be graded as an 'Honours School' for outdoor play, having provided sustained high-quality play for a period of over eight years.

Pupils from Esh Winning Primary School enjoying the school’s award-winning outdoor play facilities (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

The school’s outdoor facilities accommodate all abilities. With features such as a sand pit, climbing frame, multi-use games area, muddy play, den-building, mud kitchen, dressing up, creative play and a newly installed reading shed, children are encouraged to engage with the outside environment.

The school's success was attributed to various factors.

The awarding judges noted the quality of the school’s staff and their commitment.

The school’s outdoor spaces upkeep and the staff's enthusiastic approach was also praised.

In the panel's report, the school was lauded as an "exceptional school with regard to the quality of play provision provided to everyone" and was seen as a place where play was taken seriously.

Head teacher at Esh Winning Primary School, Caroline Hodgson, expressed her pride in the achievement.

She said: "We are delighted to have been awarded OPAL platinum status again.

"The renewed award is a tremendous achievement and testament to the hard work and dedication of our wonderful staff."

She added: "We strive to continually provide our pupils with opportunities to imagine, develop resilience, grow memories, show teamwork, and most importantly play outdoors."

Pupils from Esh Winning Primary School enjoying the school’s award-winning outdoor play facilities (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

Durham County Council's cabinet member for children and young people’s services, Cllr Ted Henderson, also commended the school on its accomplishment.

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He said: "It is an outstanding achievement to become one of only four schools in the country to receive this award.

"It is wonderful to see how much joy outdoor play brings to the pupils as well as how valuable it has been to their development."

Further information about Esh Winning Primary School’s involvement with OPAL, can be found at www.eshwinning.durham.sch.uk/pupils/opal.