A Blackburn primary school is celebrating after becoming the first in the area to receive a platinum award for its outdoor play provision.

St Francis CE Primary School has recently completed a two-year journey towards implementing outdoor play and learning ethos, following the OPAL project.

Every playtime and lunchtime children have an assortment of play areas such as a construction zone, a 'Bear Grylls Survival Space', a mud kitchen, a stage with costumes and music, a large sand pit, and a wide array of other activities to choose from.

The community donated tyres, toys, costumes, and crates plus their time to help build a range of activities such as play cars, buses and boats at the Cherry Tree Lane school.

The school has won a platinum OPAL awardThe school has won a platinum OPAL award (Image: St Francis Primary School) Local building companies donated sand and soil and the school's PTA has been pivotal in contributing funds towards other much-needed resources, while a successful bid for wellies and waterproofs from the Outdoor Essentials Grant has enabled more children to access the provision regardless of the weather.

Catherine Foster, the school's deputy headteacher and OPAL leader, said: “It’s been an incredible journey. 

"The OPAL play team have shown such dedication and hard work, giving up their own time after school and at weekends, to build different play zones.

"It’s lovely to see such joy on the children’s faces when they are playing outside and the benefits of interacting with nature, and challenging themselves in the different areas, is undeniable.

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"Inclusion has always been at the heart of what we do at St Francis CE Primary School, and with OPAL, this has really solidified that.

"We are extremely proud to have achieved a platinum award, showing our commitment to play, well-being and inclusivity.”

Throughout the school's journey, it has been supported by OPAL mentor Charlotte Derry, who celebrated the achievement with staff and pupils.

Children enjoy a wide range of activities at the schoolChildren enjoy a wide range of activities at the school (Image: St Francis Primary School)

She said: "The play offer at St Francis' is excellent and the diversity and quality of play is awesome - they have invested so much creative time and energy.

"Children say how happy they are at school and how they enjoy the different things they can do at break and playtime.

"I am sure you will all go on to be an inspirational school for your local area and continue to provide amazing play for children."