A County Durham school has won a top award for its improvements to outdoor playtime for pupils.

Roseberry Primary and Nursery School in Newfield, near Chester-le-Street, has been given a Platinum Award for Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL).

This is the highest award possible within the scheme, recognising the school's efforts to enhance playtime.

Emma Dunn, headteacher at Roseberry Primary and Nursery, said: "We introduced OPAL into school in May 2023 and it has completely changed the way children play.

"Children from Reception to Year 6 play alongside each other at lunchtime which promotes positive relationships across the school.

"We started off with grass and concrete and now we have many exciting OPAL zones.

"Children and staff love lunchtimes and it's one of the first things anyone talks about to visitors.

"The community has been very supportive too and we are grateful for the many donations we have received from parents and local families, the parish council, Karbon Homes and Tesco."

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The school offers a range of activities including a wildlife garden, mud kitchen, sports zone, and tunnel.

In addition to the Platinum Award, the school was asked to host the OPAL North East Regional Meeting earlier this month, allowing representatives from other schools to observe their playtime.

The school's play team also received a Champion Play Team Award.

The OPAL zones include a sand pit, mud kitchen, digging area, tunnel, mini golf, water play, role play, sports, climbing frames, sledge slide and a wildlife garden.

There is also a craft area, scooter and bike zone and a performance space where pupils can listen to music and dress up.

Councillor Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: "The team at Roseberry Primary School should feel incredibly proud of this fantastic achievement and I would like to say a big congratulations on behalf of everyone at the council.

"The facilities on offer at Roseberry are second to none and it’s easy to see why playtime is so popular there."