Celebrating Our OPAL Platinum Achievement!

We are thrilled to announce that Leatherhead Trinity School has been awarded the prestigious OPAL Platinum Award, the highest national recognition for outstanding play provision. This remarkable achievement places us among the top 1% of schools in the country, highlighting our commitment to providing exceptional play experiences for all pupils.

Our OPAL Journey

OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) is a whole school development priority at Leatherhead Trinity School, ensuring that every child has at least one hour of outstanding outdoor play every day. Over our journey with the OPAL programme, which offers a structured process with mentored support and expert guidance, we have transformed playtimes into vibrant, inclusive, and imaginative experiences where every child can build, create, explore, and collaborate.

Research shows that children's mental and physical health is deteriorating, and great play can make a significant difference. During their seven years at primary school, children spend approximately 1.4 years at play, making it a vital part of their development equal in importance to classroom lessons.

What is OPAL?

OPAL is a community interest company dedicated to improving the quality of play opportunities for children across England and Wales. Their team brings expertise in teaching, school improvement, landscape design, project management, play, and strategic planning. The OPAL Primary Programme supports schools to permanently change both their environment and culture, enabling amazing playtimes every day.

The Impact on Our Pupils

The benefits of our OPAL programme have been profound and wide-ranging:

• Happier, More Active Pupils: Children engage in play that sparks creativity, curiosity, and joy, contributing to their overall wellbeing.
• Improved Social Skills and Resilience: Pupils learn to communicate, cooperate, and solve problems together, building essential life skills.
• Greater Independence and Confidence: By taking ownership of their play, children develop self-reliance and leadership qualities.
• A Calmer, More Positive Playground Environment: The playground has become a space of mutual respect and enjoyment, with fewer conflicts and more positive interactions.

A Community Achievement

This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Play Team, staff, families, and, most importantly, our pupils. Together, we have created a culture where play is valued and prioritised, enriching the school experience for everyone.

Looking Ahead

We are excited to build on this success and continue to innovate and improve our play provision. Our commitment remains strong: to provide safe, stimulating, and joyful play opportunities that support the growth and happiness of every child at Leatherhead Trinity School.