Hernhill is a 200-pupil church school in a rural area just outside Faversham. They have lots of tarmac and green space. They began their OPAL journey in the summer of 2021 and achieved their first platinum award in the summer of 2022 and their second in 2024.

Their play offer is outstanding, ensuring every child has a fantastic playtime every single day.

The school has a large loose-parts shed, a fast-growing museum of archaeological discoveries, namely, from the large digging areas, a huge sandpit, plentiful water play, den building and even a cave dug out by the children!

The strong play team is very committed to continually improving their play offer, led by a fantastic OPAL working group, and helped by their very supportive parents and local community.

What were the main issues you were facing at playtime?

At Hernhill, we had a lack of resources, and football dominated our playtimes.

Why did you get OPAL to work with your school?

In 2021, children were suffering from separated playtimes due to COVID-19. We wanted to bring joy to playtimes.

What measures had you tried already?

We tried buying extra sports equipment.

What did OPAL help with that you couldn’t do yourselves?

We wanted guidance on health and safety, and to provide excellent training and the ‘Permission’ to be brave with our playtime provision.

How did the programme impact pupils’ physical, social, emotional, mental, and cognitive development?

It had a massive, positive impact on all of the above, for every child, but especially our neurodivergent children. It also benefited children’s speech and language development.

How did the programme meet the needs of all your children, in particular pupils with SEND?

It provided all our SEND children with something that they could engage with, and it created opportunities for creativity and co-operation.

How did the programme impact attendance?

Our school has excellent attendance, but OPAL has an impact on this, as we did not experience an attendance dip after COVID.

How did the programme impact communication, vocabulary, and imagination?

The variety of play options encourages children to communicate and work together. It gives them the chance to be extremely creative.

How did the school secure funding and resources?

We used the Sports Premium to fund the original cost. We now use school voluntary funds from parents, along with PTAFA funding, to purchase small items. We have also got sponsorship and lots of freebies as well!

What partnerships proved most valuable?

Partnerships with other OPAL schools have been invaluable. We have also built up links with local businesses, which is very helpful.

What was the impact on parents and wider community members?

Our parents are very positive about OPAL, and it is now just part of our culture. I am sure this is one of the reasons we are over-subscribed (especially given there are more reception places than reception children in Kent currently). Many schools local to us and across Kent have visited and been inspired to start OPAL for themselves.

See our 2024 summer term OPAL fun below!