The new playground provision at Wormholt Park Primary is turning heads after being awarded Platinum Status by OPAL.
The accolade puts the White City school in the top 1% of schools nationwide for quality of play provision, recognising their dedication to creating exceptional play opportunities for every child.
Parents, staff and school governors celebrated at the school on Friday (19 September).
"We introduced the playground in September 2024 and to achieve platinum status in just one year is incredible," said Anika Hargie, headteacher at Wormholt Park. "This is a testament to our commitment to children's well-being, creativity and happiness every single day."
Every school in H&F is currently rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. We want to make the borough the best place to grow up and thrive.
Learning through play
The national award was presented to Wormholt Park by the Outdoor Play and Learning Programme (OPAL). They helped the school design the provision, which features unconventional play equipment to help teach the children essential skills such as teamwork and problem solving.
It makes outdoor play more fun for the children in order to help them "collaborate, challenge themselves and take risks", Anika added.
Nicola Barrett from OPAL praised the school's rapid transformation: "What Wormholt Park has achieved is remarkable. In just 12 months, they've turned their playground into one of the most engaging, exciting and inclusive play spaces I've ever seen. This is what world-class play looks like."
Getting hands on
Pupils can now connect with nature in the mud kitchen, get creative in the art lodge, build dens with different materials and zoom around the scooter track.
Staff at the school have noticed an immediate improvement in the student's confidence.
"I wholeheartedly believe in every child's right to play. The children love the new playground and tell us they are happier than ever," Anika said.
While Cllr Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council, said:
It's great to see Wormholt Park using creative new ways to improve children's confidence and wellbeing. And it's fantastic to hear that it's working."
Parents are also noticing a difference. "It's just amazing," one parent commented. "My child can't wait to get to school every morning – the playground has completely transformed their confidence and happiness."
Strength to strength
To add to the roster of awards for the school, Wormholt Park has also been re-accredited with its GOLD Rights Respecting School status by UNICEF.
This marks the school's commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive and joyful place to learn and grow for all the children.
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