Monks Coppenhall Academy in Cheshire Adds Playground Canopy

What was the project brief?

Monks Coppenhall Academy in Crewe, Cheshire wanted a playground shelter so its pupils could have fun outside rather than be stuck in the classroom, even in the rain. The staff thought it would be ideal to have a structure that displayed the school colours to give the site a more united feel. It also had to be able to run along the building to give immediate shelter once the children stepped outdoors, and protect them to the utmost in all weathers with top-quality materials. They contacted us here at A&S Landscape and we endeavoured to provide them with a fantastic product.

What was our canopy solution?

Based on our recommendations and their needs, the final model chosen for this project was our Motiva Linear™. It can be installed easily against building elevations to offer the instant coverage Monks Coppenhall Academy was after, so we thought this was a wise decision. 23500mm X 3000mm specifications allowed many children to run around and engage in imaginative or active play in the fresh air, throughout the year. Plus, Brown Red steelwork and an Opal polycarbonate roof were a great match for the school’s colours and gave the facility an improved visual identity.

What was the result of the playground shelter?

The playground canopy structure has proved incredibly useful at Monks Coppenhall Academy. Pupils now have more freedom to play how and where they wish in all seasons, and they can let off steam outside whether it’s rainy or sunny. The bright, custom design has extended the school’s branding to its exterior and given the atmosphere a lift. The shelter could even be used in other ways, such as keeping parents dry when waiting to pick up their children or as a handy cover when queuing for class in the morning. We were thrilled to add this to our portfolio of successful projects with similar institutions, and we wish this client all the best for the future.

Testimonial

“Work carried out very professionally. The canopy looks amazing – 10/10!”

Monks Coppenhall Academy

About the client

Monks Coppenhall Academy is a three-form entry Academy with the capacity to teach 480 children and it holds an Outstanding status, as judged by Ofsted in 2011. It also has a Day Nursery for nearly 60 youngsters and has the mottos ‘To be the best we can in mind, body and spirit’ and ‘Working together to create better futures.’ The staff were a pleasure to work with when designing and installing the shelter, and we were inspired by their desire to always meet the emotional needs of their pupils.

Monks Coppenhall Academy is situated in Crewe, Cheshire. This town is known for its railway history which boomed in the 19th century but it also has the wonderful Victorian Queen’s Park, many shops and restaurants, the award-winning Crewe Lyceum Theatre, and the Crewe Alexandra Football Club, which each offer great days out for all the family.

How can shelters help pupils’ wellbeing?

Increased contact with the outdoors has been shown to bring greater satisfaction with life and engaging with nature can be truly beneficial for children. A National Trust survey revealed that 80% of the happiest people in the UK have a strong connection with the natural world, compared with under 40% of the unhappiest. Being outdoors can therefore boost children’s happiness, and installing a shelter at their institutions can help staff to provide them with more time there. Happier pupils can do better in their lessons too, as shown by an American study that found students who reported being happier had higher grades. What’s more, spending time outside can improve attention and memory which can assist academic performance and result in greater satisfaction in the learning environment. Getting out in the fresh air can also lower stress hormones and ease muscle tension, so children can even find they have better mental health.

Would you like to ensure that your pupils always have access to the great outdoors, despite the weather? Here at A&S Landscape, we can design, manufacture and install a canopy that’s perfect for your needs and suits your space. You can choose from options like tensile canopy systems and covered walkway systems. Discuss your first steps with our team by calling us on 01743 444100 today.

Who have been some previous A&S Landscape clients?

We have worked with a variety of customers over the years from many different sectors in the UK. As well as for academic institutions, we have built canopies for local authorities like Dorset Council and businesses like Severn Trent Water. You can see the results for yourself in our Gallery, where you can even filter by shelter type and product to see what your favourites look like in-situ. Some of our other previous clients have included architects and builders, and even national organisations such as The FA and Royal Mail. If you’d like to join our satisfied customer list, contact us via email at [email protected] now.