Clifford Bridge Academy celebrates OPAL Platinum Award

Clifford Bridge Academy is celebrating after achieving the OPAL Platinum Award, recognising the school’s commitment to transforming playtimes and providing high quality play opportunities for every child.

The achievement follows two years of working with OPAL mentor Rachel Clark through the OPAL Primary Programme to strategically and sustainably improve playtimes. OPAL praised the remarkable transformation at Clifford Bridge and the commitment shown by staff, leaders and the wider school community throughout the journey.

Play is an important part of children’s health, development and wellbeing, accounting for around a fifth of the school day. Through the OPAL programme, Clifford Bridge has developed its outdoor environment to provide a much wider variety of meaningful play experiences for children.

Lunchtimes have been transformed into vibrant and inclusive experiences, with opportunities ranging from imaginative and creative activities to physical challenges and social play. Children of all ages can explore, collaborate and find activities that engage and excite them.

The school has also seen a positive impact on wellbeing, with pupils developing greater confidence, independence and resilience while building friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.

“We have been truly impressed by the impact that OPAL has had on our children and wider school community. Lunchtimes have been transformed into vibrant, inclusive experiences where every child can find something that engages and excites them.

The impact on wellbeing has been particularly significant. Children are developing greater confidence, independence and resilience while building friendships and a strong sense of belonging.”

Madaleine Turner, Headteacher at Clifford Bridge Academy

Achieving Platinum means every child at Clifford Bridge can enjoy a rich, engaging and varied playtime experience every day, with play recognised as an essential part of children’s development and wellbeing.

The achievement has also been made possible by the fantastic support of the Clifford Bridge community. A huge thank you goes to everyone who has donated resources, volunteered their time and supported the school in developing its play provision throughout the OPAL journey.

OPAL CIC has supported more than 2,000 schools to improve the quality of their playtimes since 2011. Founder and Director Michael Follett congratulated Clifford Bridge on the award and its work to ensure children have opportunities for amazing play every day.

Everyone across Inspire Education Trust is incredibly proud of the Clifford Bridge community for achieving OPAL Platinum and for its continued commitment to creating opportunities for children to enjoy, explore and thrive through play.

NEWS: Clifford is OPAL Platinum!