A SCHOOL is celebrating after being recognised as the best in the country for children’s outdoor play.

The Blue Coat Primary School in Wotton scooped a top Outdoor Play and Learning Award (OPAL) award for its facilities.

And the assessor who visited the school was so impressed that he described it as ‘the best school for outdoor play in the UK’.

Blue Coat is the first school from over 300 Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) schools across the UK and Canada to score a perfect 100 per cent on their audit.

Four years ago, the school launched an initiative to improve its outdoor play opportunities for pupils.

This included hiring a play coordinator, who worked with the play team to ensure that all 314 pupils could reap the multiple benefits, including increased activity levels, development of social skills, and improved mental health.

Blue Coat also worked with businesses and charitable trusts to secure funds to transform the playground.

The school site now boasts a 50 tonne sandpit, a ‘Dengineering Zone’, a mud kitchen and a scrap shed.

Michael Follett, director of OPAL, commented: “The whole school community should be immensely proud in what they have achieved.”

Head teacher Mark Ryan added: “We’re delighted to receive this recognition.

“We feel passionately that each child should have a right to high quality, fulfilling play.

“This award recognises that passion and belief.

“We’re fortunate to have a very talented group of professionals in our play team, who are led by a visionary in Rachel Murray.”