Playground canopies not only look fantastic next to your school building, but they provide a multitude of benefits to your aesthetics, boost professionalism, and most importantly, have a positive impact on child and staff well-being.
GOV.UK conducted a survey and found that there was a positive role of nature supporting children’s well-being, with eight in ten (83%) of children interviewed agreeing that being in nature made them very happy.
These statistics highlight the importance of outdoor activities for children's physical health and mental well-being. In light of this, installing a playground canopy at your school is a perfect solution for several reasons!
Take a look at our wide variety of playground canopies today! If you require assistance, please call us at 01623 421111.
What Can I Use a Playground Canopy For?
Installing a canopy for school playgrounds provides numerous benefits that can enhance the overall experience and safety of students.
1. Protection from Weather Elements
We all know the British weather is extremely unpredictable at times, so a playground canopy is an excellent choice when it comes to protecting students or teachers from that unpredicted rain storm! A playground canopy offers shelter, ensuring that outdoor activities continue uninterrupted.
Playground canopies provide shade, protecting children from harmful UV rays and reducing the risk of sunburn and heatstroke.
2. Improved Outdoor Learning
Playground canopies can double as a sheltered outdoor classroom where teachers can conduct lessons in a fresh-air, outdoor environment, making learning more engaging and dynamic.
A study by Natural Connections found that 95% of children surveyed stated that outdoor learning makes lessons more enjoyable, and 72% of schools reported a positive impact on teachers' health and well-being from outdoor learning.
These findings indicate that outdoor learning is an essential part of a comprehensive educational experience that enables children to connect with nature, develop a range of skills, and cultivate a positive attitude toward learning. Playground canopies can also easily be utilised as an additional learning space for those messier activities providing a designated space that can be easily cleaned up afterward.
3. Increased Playtime Opportunities
A playground canopy allows children to play outside even when the weather is less than ideal, giving them more opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.
In the same GOV.UK survey, children who reported spending more time outside (and more time noticing nature/wildlife) were more likely to report that ‘being in nature makes me very happy’ (91% and 94% respectively, compared to 79% of those who had spent less time). This can help improve their overall health and well-being by encouraging active play and socialisation.
4. Improved Safety
By providing shaded areas, canopies keep playground equipment cool, reducing the risk of burns and injuries from hot surfaces.
Installing a playground canopy in your school also enhances safety by creating a designated area for supervised play. This helps prevent accidents and injuries, ensuring students can enjoy outdoor time in a secure environment.
Additionally, playground canopies offer a sense of security and comfort for students, providing a space where they can relax and unwind during breaks or after school.
5. Enhanced Aesthetics
Attractive and colourful canopies can enhance the visual appeal of the playground, making it more inviting and stimulating for children, staff, and visitors.
It can also make your school grounds look tidy and organised. Many companies that provide school shelters can provide similar colours to your school branding to match the overall aesthetic of the school.
6. Versatility and Multi-functionality
Canopies can be used for various school events, such as outdoor assemblies, sports days, and fairs, providing versatile, sheltered spaces.
7. Promotes Social Interaction and Mental Health
Shaded areas become popular gathering spots for children, promoting friendships and boosting social skills.
Having a covered outdoor space encourages children to engage in physical activities and games that facilitate social interaction. This helps them develop crucial social skills like communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Playground canopies provide a shaded and protected space for children to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, which is essential for their physical and mental health. Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress levels, and increased vitamin D production.
8. Support for School Programmes
Canopies can support outdoor programmes, such as gardening, environmental education, and arts and crafts, by providing a protected space for these activities.
9. Cost-effective Solutions
Compared to constructing permanent buildings, canopies are a cost-effective way to expand usable outdoor space and offer immediate benefits.
10. Environmental Benefits
By promoting outdoor activities, canopies reduce the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning, supporting the school's sustainability efforts as well as encouraging students and staff outside.
Why Choose Shelter Expert For Your Playground Canopy?
Keeping children safe with high-quality playground shelters is essential for any educational institution. Our outdoor canopy structures enhance the learning experience by providing shaded, comfortable spaces for students of all ages, from nursery, up to university level.
Our playground shelters provide a multi-functional space that can enhance break times, outdoor dining spaces, and social spaces, and protect from harsh weather conditions ensuring that students can enjoy the benefits of being outside while staying protected from the elements.
At Shelter Expert, we offer a range of products that are the ideal choice for schools, all available in your branding colours and backed by a fifteen-year guarantee. Enjoy exceptional service, including free fitting, to ensure your outdoor structures are installed perfectly.
