Final Audit Report by Rachel Murray OPAL Senior Mentor:

OPAL primary programme
Coten End – final audit report
April 2026

Huge congratulations to Coten End Primary School on achieving their OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Platinum Award. This is an outstanding accomplishment for the entire school community and places Coten End within the top 2% of primary schools nationally for the quality of their outdoor play provision.

Over the past 18 months, the school has demonstrated a clear and unwavering commitment to prioritising play for every child. Their OPAL journey has been purposeful and inclusive, with a shared vision of ensuring high-quality play opportunities at every lunchtime. This commitment is rooted in the recognition of children’s right to play, as outlined in Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The OPAL Working Party has been instrumental in driving this success. As passionate advocates for play, they have worked collaboratively to embed a culture where play is valued, supported, and continually developed. Their efforts have led to improvements in behaviour, increased inclusion across the playground, reduced first aid and noticeably higher levels of collaboration among pupils.

Coten End’s involvement in the University of Exeter’s Project Playtime Research Programme is particularly noteworthy. By contributing to this national research, the school is not only enhancing its own provision but also helping to shape future understanding of the links between outdoor play and children’s wellbeing.

During the final audit, the richness and diversity of the play offer were clear to see. Children were fully engaged across a wide range of environments: digging and exploring in the large sandpit, creating and experimenting in the mud kitchen, and enjoying a dedicated scooter area. A vibrant performance stage was alive with music, dance, and self-expression, while multiple den-building areas supported imaginative and collaborative play. At the heart of the playground, a welcoming bell tent filled with musical instruments provided yet another creative outlet.

This carefully developed play landscape enables children to confidently and independently access a wide variety of both natural and fabricated loose parts. As a result, playtimes are characterised by creativity, cooperation, and sustained engagement, with pupils demonstrating great imagination and resourcefulness.

This achievement is a testament to the dedication and vision of the whole school community. Special recognition must go to the OPAL Working Party: Sarah Sheepy, Executive Head Teacher; Nick Williams, Head of School; Andy Johnston and Marian Halford, Phase Leaders; Katie Rebbeck and Louise Patterson, Lead MDSAs; Governor Helen Thompson; and OPAL Parent Representative, Catherine Steele. Their leadership and commitment have been central to this success.

Coten End Primary School continues to look ahead with ambition and enthusiasm. Plans for the coming year include an exciting water-based play project, funded to further enrich the outdoor environment and expand opportunities for outdoor play, water management and environmental education.

Once again, congratulations to everyone at Coten End Primary School on this exceptional achievement. Their work stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when a school truly places play at the heart of its ethos.