St Bernard’s RC Primary and Nursery School in Ellesmere Port has been awarded the prestigious ‘OPAL Gold Award’ for excellence in outdoor play and learning. 

 

The nationally recognised accolade highlights the school’s commitment to creating an inclusive, enriching, and high-quality play environment for all pupils.  

 

The OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Primary Programme is an award-winning school improvement initiative, endorsed by Sport England and recognised by Ofsted, which supports schools to develop sustainable, high-quality play opportunities.  

 

Achieving the gold award places St Bernard’s among the leading schools in the country for outdoor play provision.  

 

Julie Le Feuvre, head of school at St Bernard’s RC Primary and Nursery School, said: “We believe play is a vital part of children’s development, and this award recognises the incredible effort our staff, pupils, and wider school community have made to transform playtimes at St Bernard’s.  

 

“We are thrilled to receive the gold award and will continue to ensure that our outdoor spaces inspire creativity, cooperation, and joy every day.”  

 

Over the past two years, the school has worked in partnership with the OPAL team to further develop its outdoor environment, create a comprehensive play policy, and establish a culture that values play as essential to children’s learning and wellbeing. 

 

Now, St Bernard’s proudly boasts a vibrant, dynamic playground where children are encouraged to explore, take positive risks, and grow in confidence through purposeful and imaginative play.  

 

Parents and carers have also praised the transformation, noting the positive impact on pupil wellbeing, engagement, and social development.