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“Edwalton Primary School is an outstanding example of what is possible when vision, commitment, and expertise come together. Your Platinum award is richly deserved, and your work will undoubtedly inspire many others on their OPAL journey.”
Dr Beaumont Director OPAL East Midlands
Edwalton Primary School has received the news they have achieved OPAL Platinum status for their outdoor play and learning provision. This is the highest award given in the OPAL programme.
During the inspection, the school achieved a perfect 100% score, a remarkable result given its recent adoption of the enhanced play and outdoor learning programme, placing it among a small number of schools nationwide to receive the top award.
The school began the transformation of its outdoor play and learning provision back in 2025, creating activities and opportunities for children out of doors to build enjoyment and confidence, and making the most of the school’s outstanding grounds.
Dan Graney is the headteacher of Edwalton Primary School, and he explained why they made a determined effort to enhance playtimes. “We are delighted to have achieved Opal Platinum status and have seen so many benefits from focusing our efforts to enrich children’s experience during their outdoor and play times.
“Play takes up 1/5 of children’s time in primary school and plays a pivotal role in their development. Historically, I think it would be fair to say that analysis and development for playtime was overlooked in schools. By addressing this valuable time with the same care we would pay to class time, we have created fun and engaging tasks, games, and problem-solving activities which support our children’s health and wellbeing, -fostering healthy and helpful relationships with their peers.”
Children at Edwalton now spend time building dens, playing table tennis, getting stuck into the mud kitchen, visiting the play hair salon and dressing up in the costume shed, among a wide range of activities on offer beyond the classroom. The school provides sports and learning opportunities that help children use playtimes for healthy, enjoyable pursuits.
Photograph: Children create their own activities through teamwork.
Dan said, “Our staff are trained to assess risk, play and interact with children, and we have ensured the children also have a voice in what we provide. Our children are happier, -they are excited every day by the prospect of outdoor play, and behaviour and engagement in the
afternoon has shown marked improvement. Our children are learning how to play again, and it has been amazing for staff to see. It has contributed to a richer school experience for all of our children.”
Pupil Idris is in year 2 and said, “I would rate our school’s playtimes a 10/10. Not many schools have a sandpit and woodlands to play in. We Also have Go-Karts!”
Ben is in year 4 and has seen the transformation take place saying, “Before we did OPAL at school we just used to sit and chat at lunchtimes but now, we have so much to do and we can do a different thing every day. Go-Karts, Lego, the sandpit, pogo sticks, tree climbing, table tennis and even fancy dress!”
In a letter to the school, Dr Bobby Beaumont, Director of OPAL East Midlands, praised the school for its efforts saying, “It is with great pleasure that I write to formally congratulate you on achieving OPAL Platinum status, the highest level of recognition within the OPAL programme. To reach this standard is a remarkable accomplishment; to do so with a 100% final audit score is truly exceptional and places Edwalton Primary School amongst a very small group of leading schools nationally.
“From the moment you step onto your site, it is clear that something special has been created. There is a palpable sense of awe and wonder woven throughout the entire environment—a richness of opportunity that invites curiosity, imagination, and deep engagement. Every corner of the school grounds feels intentional, offering children the chance to explore, create, and lose themselves in meaningful play.”
Speaking about the school’s grounds, Dr Beaumont said, “The woodland now provides unbelievable play opportunities, rich in challenge, imagination, and connection to the natural world. It is a space where children can test themselves, collaborate, and experience the kind of play that stays with them long beyond the school day.”
He goes on to say, “Edwalton Primary School is an outstanding example of what is possible when vision, commitment, and expertise come together. Your Platinum award is richly deserved, and your work will undoubtedly inspire many others on their OPAL journey.”
Pupil Diego is in Foundation and said, “I love playing with the punchbag and exercise bikes, I also love to climb and play in the mud kitchen.”
Fellow Year 1 pupil Frankie said, “We built a rope swing last year and it’s my favourite thing to play with. I also love playing in the woods because I can explore and make dens.”
The school has transformed an area in its grounds into a large sandpit for children to use, and year 1 pupil Poppy is a fan, saying, “I absolutely love the sandpit, I get to bury my friends’ legs and make sandcastles every lunchtime!”
Photograph: Image top shows children exploring the new sandpit, and below, images of the transformation to create the new area.
