We are thrilled to announce that Windhill21 has been awarded the OPAL Platinum Award!

This prestigious accreditation places us in the top 1% of primary schools nationally for the quality of our lunchtime play provision.

Since starting our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) journey in January 2024, we have transformed our school grounds into a landscape of adventure, creativity, and discovery. At Windhill21, we believe that play is not just a break from learning—it is a vital part of every child’s physical and emotional development. Because of this, we take play incredibly seriously, just as we do any other part of the school day.

Our Play Offer: What’s on the Menu?

Our Platinum status is reflected in the diverse "play zones" we offer every day, ensuring there is something to spark the imagination of every child:

• Creative & Performance: Our Stage and Music area and Arts & Crafts zone allow pupils to express themselves and build confidence.
• Sensory & Nature: Children can get stuck in at our Large Sandpit, Pebble Patch, or the ever-popular Mud Kitchen and Digging Area.
• Physical & Active: From traditional Football and Ball Games to our fleet of Social Vehicles, we ensure pupils are building stamina and motor skills.
• Social & Imaginative: We offer a variety of Social Spaces, both large and small. These allow children to seek the calm and quiet they may need or find a dedicated place to "hang out" with friends of all ages.
• Life Skills: Our play spaces are designed to foster cooperation and resilience, giving children the freedom to take managed risks and solve problems.

The Impact: What Our Community Says

The success of OPAL isn't just measured in awards, but in the growth we see in our pupils every single day. Recent surveys from our staff and parents highlight the incredible impact on wellbeing and character:

"Both my children’s resilience has definitely improved since the start of OPAL." – Windhill21 Parent

By providing an environment where children can manage their own play and take calculated risks, we are seeing a significant boost in creativity, imagination, and overall confidence across the school.

A Huge Thank You!

We could not have reached the Platinum level without the incredible support of our school community.

A massive thank you goes out to our parents and carers for your ongoing support and your generous donations of "loose parts"—from pots and pans for the kitchen to tyres and suitcases for building. Your contributions help keep our play offer fresh, exciting, and full of possibilities. We also want to thank our dedicated staff who have embraced this new way of working to ensure every lunchtime is a high-quality learning experience.