A Stevenage primary school is among the top one per cent in the country for achievement in reading, writing and mathematics and for its play provision.

Staff at Trotts Hill Primary and Nursery School were congratulated on their achievement by Damian Hinds, the minister for schools.

At Trotts Hill, the latest key stage two assessment results show 93 per cent of pupils reach or exceed the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics.

The Comet: Trotts Hill has achieved a Platinum OPAL Award.Trotts Hill has achieved a Platinum OPAL Award. (Image: Trotts Hill Primary School and Nursery)

They have also been awarded the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Platinum Award after a transformation of their outdoor environment and playtimes.

Mr Hinds described the standard they have set as "very high", and continued: "Thank you for your work in continuing the drive towards higher academic standards, and congratulations to you and your staff for your commitment and success."

The OPAL auditors who visited the school commented: "Trotts Hill is a brilliant OPAL school with so many exciting spaces that offer endless play opportunities to children of all ages, genders, ethnicities, abilities and disabilities.

"The time, commitment and effort that has gone into improving playtime is incredible.

The Comet: A wide range of play activities are on offer for children at Trotts Hill.A wide range of play activities are on offer for children at Trotts Hill. (Image: Trotts Hill Primary School and Nursery)

"The way that play has been embedded across the school will ensure that children benefit from their improved play opportunities for years to come.

"The Play Team are dedicated to supporting and facilitating children's play and developing the play spaces across the site.

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"The children's enthusiasm for OPAL is so joyful to see, reflected in the presentation given by a group of Year 6 children during the final audit meeting.

"Congratulations to all the team, the school staff, the children, and the wider community, - this is so well deserved."

Play times at Trotts Hill give children the opportunity enjoy a range of activities including a mud kitchen, hay bails, water play, wheeled play, den building, dressing up, junk modelling, tree climbing, music and a performance area.

The Comet: OPAL auditors said it was so joyful to see children enjoying the playtime activities at Trotts Hill.OPAL auditors said it was so joyful to see children enjoying the playtime activities at Trotts Hill. (Image: Trotts Hill Primary School and Nursery)

Mrs Evans, headteacher at Trotts Hill, told the Comet: "I am incredibly proud of our achievements and outcomes for play and learning.

"It has been wonderful to see the positive impact on our pupils as we have developed our play provision through OPAL.

"Trotts Hill is a special place with dedicated staff and supportive parents. We are delighted to receive recognition for our achievements."