School canopies are becoming increasingly popular with schools across the UK. They are the ideal way for schools to make use of their outdoor spaces without having to spend a huge amount of money and time building new structures on-site. Canopies can be used to create areas for students and teachers to sit at break times or eat lunch, sheltered play areas for children in all weathers and even as outdoor classrooms.
There are many different types of canopy available for schools, but they can be broadly split into free standing canopies and lean to canopies. Both options can be bolted to the side of a building, but lean to canopies tend to have posts that are closer together than free standing canopies. This design is often better for schools as it makes it easier to attach other elements like bench seating or planting.
Free-standing canopies can also be fully enclosed to add shutters, heat and light to become fully functional extra rooms for the school, and they can be added to existing facilities such as sports MUGA areas to allow them to be used in all weather conditions. A sheltered area over the MUGA will not only enable the space to be used more frequently but will protect the surface from sun damage and keep it clean for children to play on.
A ‘lean to’ lean to canopies for schools is the most common type of school canopy, but there are other types of school shelters that you may wish to consider. Some canopies are designed with a straight roof and are free-standing so they can be fitted over play parks, sports pitches and other open areas to protect them from rain or wind. They are often fitted at the entrance to a school for children waiting for parents or to be picked up, or in a car park to cover parking bays and help manage the flow of cars in and out of the school site.
Canopies can be made from steel, aluminium and wood for the frame with polycarbonate or fabric coverings. The choice of material will depend on the style of canopy you require and the budget that you have to work with. Steel is a common option but you should be sure that the frame is hot-dip galvanised to give it maximum protection against corrosion.
When choosing a canopy for your school, it’s important to take the time to discuss your ideas with the supplier and get their advice. They will be able to advise on the best type of canopy for your needs and explain how the canopy will work in practice. They will also be able to give you an idea of the lead times and costs for the various options so that you can make an informed decision. A good supplier will offer a full range of colours and finishes to suit your school, so you can find the perfect look for your outdoor classroom or play area.