Exhall Cedars Infant School is celebrating after being presented with an award for improving playtimes through the OPAL Primary Programme. The Platinum award follows 12 months working with local play expert and OPAL mentor Rob Francksen to strategically and sustainably improve playtimes for all of our children.

Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth Bill Hancox has joined us for this occassion. Thank you for your time.

Thank you to Miss Paxton, our School OPAL Champion, for all your efforts and Mrs Cahani, our Parent OPAL Champion, for all your support with the programme.

Play is critical to children’s health, development, and wellbeing. But despite play taking up a fifth of the school day, very few schools plan strategically for this time, leaving many school yards and playing fields unused, uninspiring, and catering to only a minimal number of children.

Michael Follett, OPAL CIC Founder and Director, said: “The benefits of play are well-documented, but it has virtually disappeared from children’s lives. That’s why we are working with schools across the country to improve playtimes. Congratulations to Exhall Cedars for your recent award and for everything you are doing to make sure children have amazing play every day.”