Once wasn’t enough. Even twice was just scratching the surface.
Esh Winning Primary School had to retain their Platinum Award for their provision for outdoor play and learning (OPAL)... for the third time! And we are incredibly delighted for them.
The amazing staff, governors, and children at the County Durham school all contributed to this fantastic achievement, making them now, officially, the only primary school in the North East to become an Honours School.
Wow, what a ‘Happy New Year’ indeed!
Fantastic opportunities for pupils
This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the staff at the school, and follows previous wins in 2015 and 2019.
Pupils need exciting opportunities to imagine, develop resilience, grow memories, show teamwork, and, most importantly, play outdoors, and this is something that Esh Winning Primary School (clearly!) offers well.
The outdoor facilities cater for all with a sand pit, climbing frame, MUGA, muddy play, den building, and mud kitchen, to name just a few.
Additionally, children can enjoy dressing up, creative play and a newly installed reading shed. Yep, it’s not hard to understand how they achieved their Platinum Award, is it? Totally deserved.
Staff praised for their commitment
The school’s upkeep of the outdoor spaces and the staff's enthusiastic approach was also commended, which is a wonderful achievement in itself.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Outdoor play and learning is fundamental to pupils’ development and must never be overlooked. So, it’s fantastic to hear when a local school goes above and beyond – and is recognised for it.
“This continuous success not only means that the school is now the only primary school in the region to be graded as an 'Honours School' for outdoor play, but also one of just four in the entirety of the UK! Truly inspiring. Well done to all involved.”
Every child deserves a proper space to play and experience the great outdoors, and it’s fantastic to hear that a North East school is helping lead the way! Esh Winning Primary School celebrated their OPAL success on Monday 18 December – and rightly so.
Esh Winning Primary School is a Schools North East Partner School . If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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