Cromwell Primary Phase wins top play award
The Primary Phase outdoor space at Cromwell Community College in Chatteris has been recognised for its unwavering commitment to high-quality play.
Cromwell has been awarded Platinum Accreditation - the highest level possible - within the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) scheme for putting play “at the heart of its culture”.
This accreditation puts Cromwell within the top 1% of schools nationally for the quality, richness and strategic development of its play provision.
To achieve Platinum status, a school must show that play is deeply embedded in its culture and is seen as a vital and transformative part of every child’s educational experience, not just as a welcome addition.
In its OPAL report, Cromwell is praised for giving pupils the freedom “to take risks, to imagine, to lead and to belong” through play and says that, as a result, children are experiencing joy, developing resilience, building relationships and discovering their own creativity and agency”.
The school's “strong and inspiring leadership” has a genuine belief in the power of play and has created a “vibrant culture where play flourishes”.
Recognised as a “beacon of best practice”, the report says Cromwell is an inspiration for other schools within the OPAL community and in the wider sector, showing what can be achieved when play is prioritised.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the prestigious OPAL Platinum Award - the highest possible recognition for outdoor play and learning, placing us within the top 1% of schools nationally for our play provision.
I would like to thank our OPAL lead, Amy Boyden, for her commitment, creativity and relentless drive that has shaped every step of this journey.
This award belongs to our whole school community. Families, staff and friends of the school have given their time at weekends to help develop our grounds, digging, building, planting and creating spaces the children adore.
We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses and parents who have donated materials, equipment and resources to enrich our play offer. We look forward to expanding our play zones even further, continuing to involve families and local partners, embedding OPAL into every aspect of school life and ensuring every child experiences amazing play, every day.”
Claire Macdonald, headteacher of Primary Phase at Cromwell Community College
“We are so proud of this award which reflects the fact that the whole school community at Cromwell is committed to ensuring that every child has access to meaningful play experiences. It is a great privilege to be the school’s OPAL play lead and I have loved watching the children grow in confidence, creativity and independence through play.”
Amy Boyden, the school’s OPAL play lead
“Reaching Platinum is no small feat; it reflects a deeply embedded ethos where play is valued not as an addition, but as an essential, transformative part of every child’s school experience. It is an exceptional achievement, and one that speaks volumes about the vision, dedication, and collective effort of the whole community.”
Georgie McCluskie, Cromwell’s OPAL Mentor