We are very pleased with the following comments from our OPaL assessor:

"You have successfully achieved the prestigious OPAL Gold Award, scoring 54 out of 72 points during the final audit accreditation.  The outdoor play space has been transformed from standard tarmac and limited grass areas into a rich landscape of play opportunities.

Your playtime is now so much more joyful for children and staff.   It was delightful to hear how many children said something along the lines of, 'I love playtime; I can go anywhere I like and play with whatever I want - I  don't need anything more!'   Importantly, when asked about dynamic risk assessment, they all knew to check they were keeping themselves and their friends safe enough, and many could articulate what they do to make potentially risky areas safer.

I particularly loved speaking to the mix of children in the dens and tree climbing area and seeing children freely enjoy the water play in such exceptional hot weather!  They were all having such a lovely playtime! 

Transformational Impact - The implementation of the OPAL framework at Kingsnorth CE Primary School has created a noticeable shift in school culture. By replacing a culture of play restrictions with a proactive risk-benefit framework, children have developed greater resilience and independence. Conflict resolution is increasingly managed by the pupils themselves, resulting in fewer behavioural issues requiring intervention from senior leadership.

Conclusion - Kingsnorth Church of England Primary School has achieved a significant milestone in securing the OPAL Gold Award. This achievement stands as a testament to the hard work, structural planning, and shared vision of the entire school community. By recognising that play is an essential vehicle for child development, Kingsnorth has created an environment where children can safely test their limits, expand their imaginations and build lifelong social skills. The school's Christian vision and values of care and nurturing are seen as fully aligned with the OPAL philosophy, providing a practical setting where relationships are valued and strengthened. The leadership remains committed to protecting the financial and physical resources required to sustain this positive trajectory over the coming years.