Canopies with Side Panels and Doors

St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School Adds Secure Canopy with Side Panels

What was the project brief?

St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School wanted to ease congestion on their indoor space by adding a large secure covered area for pupils to socialise and eat. With cost being a factor, they decided the best way to achieve this was to install a cover system with side panels and doors. The structure also had to have heavy-duty security features, meet budget requirements, and be aesthetically pleasing. This is when they brought in the expertise of A&S Landscape to advise on the best cover solution and the well-respected Architects E C Harris who could help to implement the chosen design into the already existing structure.

What was our secure canopy solution?

As we were able to offer our design expertise early in the planning stage, we could advise the school on the wide range of canopies we offer. We could provide photorealistic visualisation and cost options for the client’s perusal, and use our expertise to give honest, reasonable advice. We were pleased to be involved with other aspects of planning too, offering our assistance to the main contractor with detailing the foundations for the secure shelter and setting out the work plan to ensure that the canopy was successfully completed in time for the new school term.

Although timescales were tight, the project was successfully completed in time. The final canopy was based on our standard Motiva design with sides panels – two 5.2 metre roller shutter doors, which gave the area the additional security, 24/7, 365 days a year. The final design was a statement in itself. The school opted for one of our curved-roof canopies, which created a feeling of extra space inside, very much the opposite to what you would expect from an enclosed canopy.

We were extremely pleased that we were able to provide a bespoke canopy solution for the school, from the canopy structures we had available.

What was the result of their new secure outdoor space?

This area is now the typical ‘hang-out’ for the children at lunchtime, before school or in-between lessons. Providing the essential rain protection all year round, the door canopy with sides can even be used as an informal meeting area, should the teachers, parents or students want some fresh air! As required by Ofsted, offering a place where pupils can learn outside all-year-round is highly important for learning, especially in younger primary school children. The enclosed area is used in many ways, but what makes the children really happy is that fact that they have a playground even when it’s cold and wet!

About the client

St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School is located in Wigan, Lancashire. The staff at the school were excellent, responsive to all of our suggestions, and gave us a clear indication of what they wanted to achieve. It was with their help that we were able to produce a bespoke shelter that would serve them for years to come. It was a real pleasure to work with this team of friendly, communicative people.

Why are canopies perfect for primary schools?

As adults, many of our fondest memories are from our childhood involve playing outside. Young children spend a huge amount of their time within education, and so it is essential they are able to enjoy time out in the fresh air. In the winter months when the evenings are darker, this can become exceptionally tricky, where there is a risk of a child being stuck indoors all day, and into the evening.

This is where a sheltered outdoor space can come in – giving young children the opportunity to play outside all year round, amongst these other benefits:

A unique learning environment 

The days of learning in a standard classroom are gone. Get creative with a colourful canopy addition to your school, which is sure to brighten up school days. Have a look at our range of coloured polycarbonate canopies, or you could opt for a retractable roof design to bring the outside in.

Classroom engagement goes up 

Every adult knows that children sometimes need additional sources of entertainment to keep them from getting bored. There is no better way to increase a child’s focus than by leaving behind the restraints of a classroom, to be outside with the fresh air under a colourful canopy.

Extension of the classroom

With complete rain protection (especially canopies with additional side protection) these canopy structures can act as an outdoor room that is suitable for a wide range of educational activities. It is the perfect space for storytelling, learning by doing and observing the natural world. The sides of the canopy can also be customised, get in touch with our sales team to talk through your options on 01743 636176.

Perfect time-out area 

If a child is feeling stressed or needs some time out to recuperate, being outside will definitely help, just take a look at some of the research into the effects of being outdoors and the mental health of children. Patio canopies can be the perfect solution for this all year round, providing a space for a child to simply sit and reflect.

How A&S Landscape can help you

Whether you are looking for a commercial canopy or a colourful primary school canopy, you are in good hands with A&S Landscape. We have a whole range of stylish canopies for you to choose from.

With over 44 years of experience, we have worked on countless canopy projects, and so we have developed a robust knowledge on all thing canopies. Shade screens, timber canopies, canopies with a large curved roof – whatever your needs, we will help you to find you the highest-quality, bespoke canopy.

If you’d like to find out more about our range of bespoke canopies, and how we can help you find the right outdoor cover, get in touch with our friendly team on 01743 636176 or at [email protected].