Sunderland primary school's prestigious national award for outdoor play and learning provision
“The difference between then and now is huge”
A Sunderland primary school is celebrating after achieving a prestigious national award for its outdoor learning provision.
Hill View Junior Academy has received the Platinum level Outdoor Play and Learning award (OPAL), making the school one of only two percent nationally to receive the status.
The award recognises the school as providing exceptionally high‑quality play opportunities, supporting children’s physical health, wellbeing, confidence and social development.
On Monday (June 29), children and staff at the school were presented with their platinum certificates, marking the culmination of a two year journey of outdoor play and learning provision.
The journey has been led by the school’s OPAL and Pastoral Lead, Liz Hedley.
Ms Hedley said: “This has been a two year process starting in September 2024 when we only had our adventure play area. We only used the field on 'summer days' and children created their own games, often struggling for ideas and inspiration.
“Since then we have added our multi-use games area for playing a variety of games, a play bus, and we use the whole field, where football and other activities can be played such as javelin throwing, construction with crates and pipes, gymnastics and dance.
“We now have a mud kitchen, water area, a stage where the children can dress up to dance and perform, a huge tyre pyramid, den building area, rope slide, ball bath, wheeled play, to mention just a few.
“The difference between then and now is huge. Children have so much choice and so much to do and they absolutely love it.
“We use every inch of space all year round now and we are always looking to introduce and update activities and take suggestions both from our School Council and our OPAL warriors as to what the children are enjoying and would like to see next. We are hoping to put in some hanging and tumble bars next.”
The award also recognises the role of lunchtime supervisors who carry out daily equipment checks and interact with and support the children throughout OPAL play sessions.
Ms Hedley also thanked the children’s parents who’ve donated their time and play items.
After being presented with the award by the school’s OPAL mentor, Ms Hedley said: “Our fantastic and dedicated team has achieved remarkable success with OPAL in our school. We are immensely proud to have been awarded Platinum status and are delighted that we are providing our children with the highest quality lunch times possible.”
The OPAL Primary Programme looks to use outdoor play to develop skills, improve behaviour, and to improve children’s wellbeing.
Schools can be graded bronze, silver, gold and platinum.