A school in Worcester has clinched a Platinum Award for Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) following a transformation of their lunchtime play.

Oasis Academy Warndon has improved playtime by giving children more opportunities to socialise by being given more access to school grounds.

The award recognises the quality of outdoor lunchtime play at the academy as some of the 'best countrywide'.

Children are allowed greater freedom to play, including in woodland areas under the OPAL project.

The community donated tyres, toys, games, among other items to improve children's play times.

The latest addition to the play at Warndon was the opening of six huge sandpits which was made possible due to funding from Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health Innovation Grant.

An assortment of play areas such as a building site, mud kitchens, and even a climbing wall are now at the children's disposal, plus music waves.

Miss Jauncey, Assistant Principal said “Since Covid, children have experienced less opportunities to play, to socialise and to be children. Working with OPAL to focus on high quality play experiences for every child, every day has given our children their childhood back.

The benefits of play and being outdoors and connected to nature, particularly with regards to children’s wellbeing, is undeniable.

Now we are an OPAL school, children swing from tyres, play in sand pits, dig, run, hunt for bugs, dress up, climb trees and play sports every lunchtime, with no barriers on age, race, gender or ability.

Inclusivity has always been at the heart of what we do at Oasis Academy Warndon and with OPAL, this has really solidified that. We are extremely proud to have achieved a Platinum award, showing our commitment to play, wellbeing and inclusivity.”

An audit report from OPAL said: "Pupils of all ages played together, and the feeling and tone of lunchtime play was happy and inclusive.”

Freya, a pupil from Year 3, said: “OPAL is fun, people can create things and do anything they set their mind to. It used to be 2 playgrounds, but it has changed so much, and we don't have to be split up anymore. It's amazing and we really enjoy it."