A Teesside primary school has received the highest accolade possible for the quality of its play provision.

Ayresome Primary School, in the centre of Middlesbrough, is celebrating after recently receiving the Platinum Award from OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), putting the school in the top 1% in the country.

OPAL is a national body that issues accreditations to primary schools for their quality, richness and development of play facilities.

OPAL mentor Lizzie Pringle said in her feedback to the school: “It was a delight to return to Ayresome and once again see the quality of your playtimes to be truly exceptional.

“Your site provides children with a rich variety of play opportunities from den building to mud kitchens, varied movements and journeys, swings and hanging upside down to accessing your brand-new garden space.

“Every child at Ayresome has the freedom to play and become whoever they choose to be on a daily basis, and that in itself is invaluable.”

The school will receive a plaque and a certificate plaque from OPAL in recognition of what they describe as “an incredible achievement”.

Gavin Brownless, Assistant Headteacher and Play Curricular Lead at Ayresome, commented: “It has been a real team effort across the school in developing our play facilities over the last 18 months and we are all thrilled to receive the Platinum Award.

“Our pupils enter class more settled, more focused and genuinely ready to learn. Play has become a powerful driver for inclusion, which is at the heart of everything we do at Ayresome.

“The wide range of lunchtime play facilities has helped to actively engage our children and has improved behaviour. They are developing resilience, creativity, and social skills, catered for by ever-developing areas that are brought to life by our play team.

“Most importantly, there is a visible sense of joy across the school; happier children who feel valued and connected. For us, play is no longer an ‘extra’, it is fundamental to both wellbeing and academic success.”

Ayresome is one of ten primary schools across Teesside under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust. The others are Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, Rosebrook and Crooksbarn in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool andDeah Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “I’d like to congratulate everyone involved at Ayresome on this significant achievement.

“The development of play provision at Ayresome is a real success story. The dedication of staff has been exceptional and their commitment to making play a central part of school life is having a clear and lasting impact. Children are happier, more confident, and better prepared for learning because of it.”