St Clare’s RC Primary School in Greater Manchester Adds Range of Colourful Shade Sails

What was the project brief?

St Clare’s RC Primary School in Manchester had the vision of adding four shade sails to their outdoor areas that would benefit pupils of all age groups. They wanted to customise each model for each Key Stage with vivid designs that would brighten up their playgrounds. The shelters also needed to provide protection from sun and rain so the children could play and chat with friends outside in all weathers, as well as enough space for seating to be installed beneath them. The school got in touch with A&S Landscape and they worked together to find a selection of products that everyone loved.

What was our canopy solution?

After a lot of discussion, the Maxima StarSail™ stood out to St Clare’s RC Primary School. This versatile shelter was the ideal choice to liven up their outdoor space, thanks to its innovative combination of the shade sail and umbrella designs, modern look and long-lasting structure. Colour choice was an essential part of this project, so A&S Landscape went through all the options in detail. The end result was a 6000mm X 6000mm Bundena Blue canopy for Key Stage 1, two 5000mm X 5000mm canopies for Key Stage 2 in Bundena Blue and Lime Fizz, and a 6000mm X 6000mm Lime Fizz canopy for Key Stage 3. These designs came together to provide a feeling of unity but also personalisation for each age group and, along with their Slate Grey steelwork, the shade sails were colourful focal points in the playgrounds. Plus, there was plenty of room for seating, so A&S Landscape installed twelve three-seater benches underneath the shelters. This meant that pupils had the space to spend more time outdoors during their breaks, whether it was rainy or sunny.

What was the result of the new shade sails?

St Clare’s RC Primary School was thrilled with the proposal and how it matched their budget – and the finished products were even better received! The array of shade sails with their bright, shade cloth fabric roofs bring splashes of colour to the outside areas, and the children love that everyone has their own special area to enjoy playtimes outdoors all year round. A&S Landscape was pleased to hear that the pupils had really taken to the new shelters and hopes that they benefit their wellbeing and love of learning.

About the client

St Clare’s RC Primary School is based in Higher Blackley, a suburban area of Manchester. The city is brimming with experiences for local people and truly has something for everyone. You can get your fill of culture and history at the gothic Manchester Cathedral, the Manchester Art Gallery or the Imperial War Museum North. Alternatively, taking a tour or watching a match at the Manchester United or Manchester City grounds is a fantastic option. You can even experience beautiful walks at Hollingworth Lake or Heaton Park after a quick journey from the city centre.

St Clare’s RC Primary School provides children with an education that is rich in all aspects of Catholic life. They foster a spirit of selflessness and mutual respect, and the five key ideas of Faith, Community, Language, Opportunity and Curiosity drive their curriculum. They also offer a variety of extra-curricular activities and strive to help every pupil to find their vocation. A&S Landscape enjoyed working with the team at this institution and wishes them all the best for the future.

How can shade sails improve schools’ facilities?

Shade sails are a fantastic way of creating new areas in schools that can be used throughout the year. Here are just a few ways that they can improve facilities for staff and pupils.

1. They make excellent outdoor learning spaces – shade sails can conjure up many outdoor classroom ideas as you can hold lessons beneath them in the fresh air. This really opens up opportunities for children to engage with nature and the world around them.
2. They put a stop to wet playtimes – pupils no longer have to stay inside during breaks when it’s raining. Shade sails offer shelter from wet weather on playgrounds and can even encourage children to spend more time outdoors, thanks to their fun designs.
3. They can be used as dining areas – install benches under your shade sails and they can make for handy dining canopies that ease pressure on existing indoor facilities.
4. They can shelter visitors – parents waiting to drop off or pick up their children can keep dry in the rain, and other guests can be protected when they arrive at your school.

Whatever your reason for considering adding one to your facilities, it’s clear that these innovative shade sails offer a myriad of benefits to schools and their pupils’ learning experiences. Want to find out more about our products? Email us at [email protected] today.

What canopies does A&S Landscape offer?

Here at A&S Landscape, we have shelters to suit the needs of every business, school and organisation. Whether you’re interested in an entrance shelter, a covered walkway, an outdoor classroom uk or a cycle store, we can provide you with the perfect product. Contact us by calling 01743 444100 now – our team looks forward to hearing from you.

Read more about our other projects located in Manchester

Bridgewater Primary School Add Fabric Umbrella Canopy

In collaboration with our trade partner our team produced a playground umbrella at Bridgewater Primary School, Bridgewater Street, Little Hulton, Manchester. The full contract involved the supply and fitting of one Maxima Umbrella™ waterproof structure supported on a single upright measuring 6000mm X 6000mm.

Fabric Shade Sails Designed for St Peter’s CE Primary School 

In collaboration with an authorised reseller our engineers created three triangle sails in St Peter’s CE Primary School Swinton, Manchester. The contract included one 7000mm X 7000mm Maxima™ tensile shade cloth fabric sail structure comprising  of three triangle sails on five uprights including for all stainless steel fixtures and fittings.

Straight Roof Canopy Made for St Agnes CE Primary School

In combination with an authorised reseller we made a straight polycarbonate roof canopy for St Agnes CE Primary School 50 Hamilton Road, Longsight, Manchester. The full contract involved the supply and installation of one Motiva™ monopitch straight coloured polycarbonate roof canopy (system 60) measuring 8m X 6m with Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

Kids Planet Day Nursery Add Three Shelters to Outdoor Areas

Working for our building contractor client our engineers constructed three straight polycarbonate roof canopies at Kids Planet Day Nursery Worlsey, Manchester, Greater Manchester. The contract included the supply and installation of three canopies.  One Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 8700mm X 3800mm.  One Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 5950mm X 4000mm and one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 4300mm X 4100mm.  All canopies included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

Mersey Drive Primary School Add Shelter with Polycarbonate Roof

In combination with our building contractor client A&S designed a straight polycarbonate roof canopy for Mersey Drive Primary School Whitefield, Manchester, Greater Manchester. The full contract involved the supply and installation of one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 3250mm X 2000mm, and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.