Cotsford Primary School Installs New Outdoor Solar Canopy

Cotsford Primary School is a state-funded primary school in Horden, County Durham. The school supports children aged four to eleven and has around 179 pupils on roll. It serves a close local community and places strong focus on wellbeing and outdoor learning.

Project Overview

Motiva VoltSpan™

Steelwork:

Graphite Grey
Roof:

PV Panels

Staff wanted to improve how outdoor spaces were used throughout the school day. The school site includes open playground areas used for play, movement, and learning. Bad weather often limited how long pupils could stay outside. Staff needed a covered space that kept children dry and comfortable.

They also wanted a solution that supported sustainability and future energy needs. The school team looked for a canopy that was strong, safe, and suited a busy primary setting. It needed to work well with safeguarding rules and limited site access. The solution also had to fit neatly into the existing playground. Reliability and long-term value were key goals from the start.

Challenges

Weather exposure: Outdoor areas were often wet and windy, which limited safe outdoor use.
Lack of shelter: Pupils needed covered space for play and learning in poor weather.
Sustainability goals: The school wanted a solution that supported sustainability through solar energy.
Site constraints: Installation needed careful planning due to limited parking and safeguarding rules.

Our Solution

A&S Landscape worked closely with Cotsford Primary School to assess the site and daily routines. We recommended the Motiva VoltSpan™ canopy with a straight roof design. This model allowed solar panels to be fitted securely above the covered space. It also provided a clean and practical look that suits a school setting.

The canopy measured 17,800mm by 6,000mm, creating a wide sheltered area. This space can support groups of pupils during play, lessons, or movement across site. PV panels were fitted to the roof to help support energy use at the school. The design balanced shelter, safety, and energy use in one structure.

Our team managed the full process from planning to installation. Work was scheduled to reduce disruption during the school day. Safeguarding rules were followed at all times on site. The finished canopy fits smoothly into the playground area.

Key Features and Materials

Structure: Solid steel framework finished in RAL7024 Graphite Grey with our Duracoat™ finish for long life.
Roofing: Integrated PV panels fixed securely to support clean energy use on site.
Guttering: Steel guttering matched to the structure to manage rainwater safely.
Sides: Open sided design to keep clear views and good airflow.
Flooring: Existing playground surface retained for familiar and safe use by pupils.

Results

All-weather access: Pupils can now use the outdoor space in rain and bright sun.
Outdoor learning support: Teachers have a sheltered area for outdoor learning across the year.
Renewable energy gain: The school benefits from added solar energy through the PV panels.
Safer movement: Movement across the site is safer and more comfortable in bad weather.

Conclusion

Cotsford Primary School’s new Motiva VoltSpan™ canopy has improved daily school life. It provides reliable shelter while supporting clean energy use on site. The covered area gives pupils more chances to learn and play outdoors. Staff benefit from a flexible space that works in all seasons.

This project shows how a well-planned canopy can add real value to a primary school. The structure is strong, safe, and built to last for many years. A&S Landscape was proud to support Cotsford Primary School with this upgrade. The result is a practical feature that supports pupils, staff, and the wider school community.