BORIS Johnson MP joined staff, pupils and parents at Hermitage Primary School in Belmont Road, Uxbridge, at a ceremony to mark their achievement in making playtimes a key part of the school day.

The school received a platinum award for completing the Outdoor Play and Learning primary programme.

Head teacher Elaine D'Souza said: “OPAL has revolutionised playtimes at our school. Children are so engaged that behaviour incidents have reduced by 80 per cent.

“Children who don’t like participating in group sports are running around the playground and taking the lead in games.”

OPAL founder Michael Follett said: “If every school created a lead post of play co-ordinator, to take a strategic approach to playtime, children and teachers would reap the benefits.”