With the unpredictable weather in the UK, maximising your outdoor space for learning or play can be a massive challenge for schools. From the scorching sun to persistent drizzle, finding a canopy for playgrounds can be a tricky task. Don’t worry, as in this blog, we’ll provide 5 reasons why having a playground canopy is a massive benefit for your school.
Here at A&S Landscape, we believe that every school deserves the opportunity to offer its pupils the very best. That’s why we design and install bespoke school canopies that help to transform playgrounds into a year-round hub of activities.
Let’s get into it!
5 essential reasons why you should invest in a playground shade canopy
At A&S Landscape, we want all schools to create an environment that fosters learning, well-being, and active play. And, while traditional indoor classrooms offer protection, they can limit outdoor activity, resulting in hindered development and missing out on valuable opportunities. A playground canopy is a great way to make playtimes that little bit more exciting while unlocking the full potential of your outdoor space. And, outdoor learning can even help to improve academic performance.
Let’s explore some of the reasons why you could benefit from a canopy for your playground in a bit more detail…
1. Protection from the weather
We’re all aware that the British weather is extremely unpredictable at the best of times, so a playground canopy is an excellent choice when it comes to protecting teachers and pupils from an unexpected downpour! Acting as a robust shield against the elements, playground shade ensures that your outdoor space remains usable and enjoyable, come rain or shine. On those hot summer days, a school shade sail is the perfect solution, as they’re made from waterproof PVC fabric that blocks up to 99.8% of radiation and harmful UV rays.
On a cooler, rainy day, you can opt for something with more shelter, such as one of our retractable canopies. This playground canopy design gives you the flexibility to bask in the sunshine or extend your roof into a position where you are sheltered from harsh sun or pesky rain. There’ll be no more rushing indoors when the clouds gather or trying to protect your playground equipment. Instead, pupils can enjoy less disruption to their school day and enjoy their outdoor surroundings, no matter the weather.
2. Improved outdoor learning
Playground canopies are a versatile solution to a traditional canopy, as they can double as a sheltered outdoor classroom where teachers can conduct lessons in a fresh, outdoor environment, making learning much more fun and dynamic. A study from Nature England actually concluded that 95% of children surveyed stated that outdoor learning makes lessons more enjoyable, probably down to the excitement of connecting with nature and exploring new surroundings.
By offering shelter from the elements, a playground canopy can act as a versatile extension of the classroom, enabling teachers to confidently plan lessons outside. This consistent access to fresh air and a change of scenery can even help to boost creativity, academic performance, and turn your playground into a dynamic learning environment. Find out more ways that outdoor learning is beneficial in schools by reading our blog post!
3. Enhanced aesthetics
Canopies, especially attractive and colourful ones, can enhance the visual appeal of your playground, making it more inviting and appealing for pupils, members of staff, and visitors. It can also make your playground look tidier and more organised. Here at A&S Landscape, we’ve got a huge variety of colours to choose from, and we’re confident that you’ll find what you’re looking for. We can even incorporate your school logo onto the side of your playground canopy for a more personalised and unique touch.
Take a look at our colourful roof canopies in a bit more detail and find a design that matches your aesthetic perfectly.
4. Improved safety
Safety is paramount in any school environment, and a canopy for playgrounds can significantly enhance it. By providing consistent shade, canopies can protect pupils from harmful UV radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. In addition to this, a canopy will keep the playground equipment dry in wet weather, which can massively reduce the risk of slips and falls, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable play experience for all!
A playground canopy can also offer a sense of safety and security for students, especially ones who are apprehensive about playing outside. Our Motiva Shutter™ variety comes with shutters and side panels for an extra layer of value and contributes to a much safer outdoor learning environment.
5. Promotes social interaction and mental health
Beyond physical activity, a playground canopy also creates a vibrant and accessible hub that promotes social interaction and positive mental health. Spending time outdoors has inspired multiple studies, including one from the University of Glasgow that concludes that nature time boosts children’s mental health, especially those from low-income families. By providing children with a safe, comfortable area all year round, it encourages them to spend more time outdoors together, fostering friendships and developing vital social skills.
Access to regular outdoor play in a safe environment is a powerful stress reliever, offering children the vital opportunity to unwind, express themselves, and improve their emotional well-being away from the pressures of the classroom.
Hear from one school how they transformed their playground with one of our playground shade canopies
Covingham Park Primary School, in Wiltshire, added a playground canopy that serves as an outdoor learning area and a covered walkway!
The primary school wanted to ensure that its pupils were given the best environment to achieve and succeed in. The solution? A canopy for their playground from A&S Landscape. We recommended our popular Motiva Mono™ design, measuring at 15000mm x 4000mm and finished in a burgundy colour to match its school colours. The results of this canopy design are fabulous – not only does it serve as a door canopy, outdoor learning area, and a covered walkway, but students can also use it as a dining area too!
Read the full case study here.
Keep your pupils safe all year round with a playground canopy from A&S Landscape
Hopefully, you’ve now learnt some reasons why a canopy for playgrounds is a strategic investment for your school. We’ve seen that a canopy is far more than just a roof; it’s an investment in your pupils’ health, happiness, and learning, offering a multitude of outdoor benefits!
We know that navigating your school canopy project can be tricky, which is why we’re always here to guide you through every step of the process. Simply get in touch with a member of our team, and we’ll be more than happy to get back to you.
