After two rounds of tense judging with both our adult and junior panels, we are delighted to announce that Granby Junior School in Nottingham were awarded the top prize for their fantastic playground design for the 2009/10 scheme. They are now in receipt of their grant from Kids First Trust and will shortly be turning their plans in to reality! Well done to you all.

Our ten runners up, each receiving £1000 to improve their playgrounds are: Avishayes Primary , Bishop's Tachbrook Church of England Primary School, Langar Church of England Primary School, Mellers Primary School, Ochiltree Primary, St Bartholomew's C of E Primary, St Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School, St John's School for the Deaf, St John's School and Woodland Community Primary School (Skelmersdale).

Applications for the 2009/2010 scheme have now closed. Registrations for next year's scheme will re-open in September 2010.

Playground Partnerships, is our award winning flagship programme. It is a cross curricular programme that helps children develop essential skills to enable them to grow into responsible adults.

The scheme develops communication and technology skills, builds awareness of environmental and sustainability issues and promotes healthy lifestyles amongst the primary age community whilst also being hard-wired into curriculum and teaching requirements of educational establishments.

Over the last 7 years of running the scheme, Kids First Trust has worked with UK Primary and Special Schools through the delivery of its award-winning Playground Partnerships programme with demand to participate increasing year on year. During this time £2m worth of grants has been awarded to participating schools with portfolios created by the children themselves.

The scheme offers significant recognition to all participating schools but for the academic year 09/10 specific awards will be offered in key areas to encourage children's development through play. The scheme will launch to all primary schools in September 2009 so look out for further announcements nearer the time.

We understand the importance of learning through play as an essential development opportunity for our children.

Research shows that developing core skills and competencies at primary school age will enable children to become better citizens. These skills and competencies are developed through our award winning Playground Partnerships scheme.

"Play is a vital part of development. It teaches children to get on with others and how to value themselves as individuals. These are the lessons that will stay with them, and make them value their communities and be good citizens." David Lammy, Former-Minister for Culture