Ashbourne Hilltop Primary and Nursery School in Derbyshire Add Outdoor Shelter

What was the project brief?

Ashbourne Hilltop Primary and Nursery School had the idea to add a shelter to their facilities. They wanted it to benefit their pupils by creating a new outdoor space that could be used throughout the year, no matter the weather. It needed to be versatile and be able to function as a playground canopy, outdoor classroom gazebo, an extra storage area and more, as well as have a bright design that would bring colour to the school’s outside space.

A&S Landscape was thrilled to be contacted by this institution and quickly began figuring out the best way to move forward.

What was our outdoor canopy solution?

There were several options to consider, but after consulting with the knowledgeable A&S Landscape team, Ashbourne Hilltop Primary and Nursery School chose to have a Motiva Linear™ installed. Built to specifications of 14500mm X 4300mm, the canopy was large enough to be multi-purpose and accommodate anything from extra equipment taking up valuable space in classrooms to children playing at break times. The Motiva Linear™ is a monopitch (asymmetric) variant that works excellently when adjoined to buildings, such as this one. Also, the clear sides created a practical enclosed shelter, while the wheelchair-accessible threshold of aluminium double doors ensured that everyone could enjoy it.

The staff decided on Flame Red steelwork to add a splash of colour to the canopy structure and bring something bright and exciting to pupils’ school days. Furthermore, the straight roof of Opal polycarbonate sheeting provided excellent protection from both rain and wind, so the shelter could be enjoyed in all weather, good or bad.

What was the result of the new shelter?

Ashbourne Hilltop Primary and Nursery School love the outdoor canopy; pupils can now use it at playtimes when it’s raining outside, and teachers can store items there during the holidays. It could also give the school some fantastic outdoor classroom ideas! The children adore the vibrant design and it has revitalised the outdoor space – an effect many shelters have on primary schools. A&S Landscape was pleased to hear that this project had been such a success and that the canopy would improve this institution’s facilities for their pupils.

Feedback

“Thank you for your hard work – A&S Landscape have worked with us to make the canopy usable for our open day. Thanks again!”

– Sally Smith, Acting Headteacher at Ashbourne Hilltop Primary and Nursery School

About the client

Ashbourne Hilltop Primary and Nursery School is known for its caring and inclusive ethos and for helping its pupils to flourish, while supporting their individual interests. On their website, they say that their values are at the heart of everything they do, which are: democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. A&S Landscape really enjoyed working with the team and helping them to add something new to their facilities.

Based in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, the pupils and staff at the school have plenty of local attractions and culture to enjoy. The town sits on the edge of the Peak District and is a great base for exploring the landscapes of the southern White Peak. It boasts picturesque cobbled streets and over 200 listed buildings, including the stunning St Oswald’s Parish Church, admired by author George Eliot. Shopping is also plentiful, with a weekly open-air market and many family-friendly eateries, fine antiques and fashion outlets to explore.

What activities can pupils do under an outdoor canopy at playtimes?

Shelters are versatile products that can offer many different uses to schools. They can create fantastic areas for pupils to spend wet break times and can reduce pressure on facilities caused by increasing intake numbers. So, what kinds of activities can children enjoy beneath canopies?

• Games – everything from board games to traditionally outdoor games that don’t require too much space can be played under a shelter, where kids can stay dry.
• Arts and crafts – many children love being arty, so schools can set up creative stations under the safety of their canopies filled with crayons, paper, paints, natural materials and more.
• Clubs – shelters are ideal places for schools with limited facilities to hold groups and clubs, allowing more children to experience and build on their skills and hobbies.
• Imaginative play – socialising is essential for kids’ learning and development, and outdoor canopies ensure that it can happen in every season, even if they can’t get out on the playground. This means that staff can let pupils have the freedom to make up their own games and enjoy each other’s company independently, without worrying about having to stop it short because of the rain.

It’s clear that shelters are of great benefit to both pupils and staff at any school. If you’d like to find out how A&S Landscape can provide you with your perfect canopy, contact us at [email protected] now.

Where in the country does A&S Landscape install their shelters?

We are based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire but are proud to supply our canopies to businesses, schools and organisations across the UK. So, whether you represent a secondary school in London looking for a dining shelter or a healthcare site in rural Wales thinking about purchasing a cycle store, A&S Landscape can meet your needs and install your canopy – no matter your location in the country. Give us a call on 01743 444100 today to discuss your project with our helpful team.

Find out more about some of our other jobs based in Derbyshire

Hasland Junior School Add Fabric Canopy to Playground

We produced a waterproof sail structure and a playground umbrella for Hasland Junior School Hasland, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The contract included the supply and installation of one Maxima™ tensile waterproof fabric sail structure comprising of one Hexagonal sail on six uprights including for all stainless steel fixtures and fittings and one Maxima™ waterproof Umbrella structure supported on a single upright measuring 4000mm X 4000mm.

Straight Roof Canopy Designed for Dronfield Co-Op

Working for our building contractor client A&S produced a straight polycarbonate roof canopy in Dronfield Co-Op Dronfield, Derbyshire. The contract included the supply and installation of one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 17600mm X 2800mm and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

William Gilbert CE Endowed Primary School Create Outdoor Sheltered Area

We built a straight polycarbonate roof canopy in William Gilbert CE Endowed Primary School Duffield, Belper, Derbyshire. The job involved the supply and installation of one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 5900mm X 4700mm and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes which were coated in a matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

Fabric Shade Sail Made for Arboretum Primary School

A&S produced a waterproof sail structure for Arboretum Primary School Derby, Derbyshire. The job involved one 6000mm x 6000mm Maxima™ tensile waterproof fabric sail structure comprising of one square sail on four uprights including for all stainless steel fixtures and fittings and four post protection pads.