Struggling with where to begin for an inclusive learning environment? Our experts have you covered! This complete guide gives you everything you need.
Here at A&S Landscape, we offer a wide range of school canopies, suitable for all learning environments. No matter what your style, colour, or shape, our expert team are always on hand to help you create your dream outdoor canopy.
If your focus is on creating an outdoor inclusive learning environment, then you are in the right place. This blog will tell you the importance of these spaces, as well as going into detail about the benefits of inclusive learning environments.
For young people, having an outdoor inclusive learning environment is one of the first steps to helping them feel included, safe, and able to thrive at school. Not only will they feel inspired to learn, but there are many mental benefits too.
Let’s delve in a bit deeper and teach you how to create an outdoor inclusive learning environment!
Why is it important to create an inclusive learning environment?
There are many reasons why it is important to create inclusive learning environments. One key reason is that it provides students with and without disabilities many opportunities to establish relationships with their peers.
These relationships can be the beginning of friendships, ones which are a source of fun and enjoyment and are an essential source of emotional support during their school years.
It is also extremely important for children to have access to a learning environment that embraces and appreciates their individual characteristics, rather than discriminating against them.
Individuality is something to be celebrated, especially in nursery and primary schools when children are finding their own identities. Embracing young pupils for who they are is one of the first steps in spreading love and making them feel safe and seen.
Examples of an inclusive learning environment canopy
As we aim to influence the importance of inclusive learning environments, we are proud to offer one of the largest ranges of canopies for primary schools. All of our canopies are expertly designed and can be tailored to your specific requirements.
Our fabric canopies are extremely popular in primary and secondary schools as they are functional, appealing on the eye, and great for all year round. You can use this as inspiration for your inclusive outdoor learning area.
See how one of our canopies has created a learning environment inclusive for all students
Hedgewood School, in West London, added a large teepee canopy to provide a safe space for their pupils, the majority of which have Autism.
The primary school wanted to make use of their outside space by adding a weatherproof cover. After careful planning, our design team suggested we use our Maxima Tepee™ structure. At an impressive size of 10m x 10m, the shelter has created a large amount of covered space for the school to use.
You can read the full case study here!
Can’t find an inclusive learning environment design you like? Why not design your own?
We know that an outdoor canopy doesn’t just come in one shape, size, or colour. In fact, we understand that every client has a specific set of needs that might not be met by a standard offering.
That’s where we come in. We offer completely bespoke canopy solutions for various sectors, such as schools or hospitality. We only use high-quality materials and the latest construction methods to ensure that all of our products are safe, practical and durable for many years to come.
To find out more about our bespoke canopy service, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your ideas or to speak to a member of our team who are always on hand.
What are the benefits of an inclusive learning environment?
Being inclusive means not excluding any parties or groups, which in itself is a huge benefit. For young children, being included in fun activities is the first step to feeling embraced and taken in by other peers.
As we’ve mentioned, inclusive learning areas are extremely important to introduce to children at a young age. As well as being important, they have a huge number of benefits which are sure to impact children in a positive way.
Let’s outline some of the key benefits of an inclusive learning environment.
Everyone feels welcome
In inclusive learning environments, nobody is left out or outcast. Instead, it is about creating an environment that welcomes and supports all students, regardless or their abilities, backgrounds, or differences.
In an inclusive learning environment, every pupil is valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to learn and succeed. Offering a space for children to be truly themselves is key, and inclusive learning environments truly are a safe space for all forms of expression.
Imaginative play
Inclusive learning environments encourages growth and learning across various areas of developments. Having a safe place for pupils to play and have fun is one of the many benefits of these areas.
Through imaginative and sensory play, children can immerse themselves in a different world while sharpening their cognitive skills, boosting their language development, and enhancing their social and mental wellbeing.
Sensory play is a great way to get students to explore and engage with a variety of materials. Through taste, smell, touch, vision, and hearing, children can learn a a lot about the world around them with engaged and fun activities.
Improved mental wellbeing
While we’re on that topic, it’s no surprise that inclusive learning environments feed into better mental health and wellbeing.
Promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing is something to be taken seriously in all schools and colleges, and that’s why we continue to promote inclusive learning environments.
Being outside is also a huge advocate for better mental health, so the more this is encouraged, the happier and jollier pupils feel whilst being at school. Outdoor learning boosts childrens development and spending time in nature promotes freedom, adventure, and exploration.
New environment
Being stuck in the same classroom day in and day out can lead to pupils feeling trapped, stuck, or confined. Therefore combating these feelings by introducing them to new learning environments is crucial.
Outdoor inclusive learning environments present pupils with new spaces, opening them up to new adventures and opportunities. The outdoors provides space for movement and action, creativity and imagination, and independence and collaboration.
Increased understanding of different needs
Inclusive learning areas are filled with diverse learners, each of whom has their own strengths and challenges. Having an inclusive environment can go a long way in helping children know that difference is just a normal part of life.
In many classrooms or learning environments, children with learning difficulties are withdrawn from lessons for speech therapy or other specialised instructions. An inclusive learning environment understands that some pupils require extra support, and often brings speech therapists, reading specialists, and other service providers into these environments.
Understanding that children have different learning needs is the starting point for creating an inclusive learning environment. Providing them with extra support is the action needed to take to make them feel seen.
Find your own inclusive learning environment with A&S Landscape!
Hopefully, you now have a much better understanding of how you can create your own outdoor inclusive learning environment. Providing children with a safe and inclusive environment is crucial in making them feel included and embraced.
This can be made easy with our impressive range of outdoor canopies – you can take a look at our canopies by use here! All of our designs are practical and a great way to encourage children into an outdoor inclusive learning environment.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any enquiries you may have. We’d be more than happy to include you in our ever-growing list of satisfied customers.
