- Outdoor learning in any weather: a covered space for lessons and play, rain or shine.
- Sun protection: shade that cuts UV exposure at break times and keeps classrooms cooler.
- More space, no building work: sheltered room for dining, queuing, and pick-up without the cost of an extension.
Give your pupils and students more space to learn and play outdoors
Tell us a little about your premises and we’ll arrange a free, no-obligation site survey. We’ll recommend the right awning or pergola for your space, your brand and your budget.
Transform school breaktime
Breaktime in UK schools is already under pressure: the youngest primary children now get 23 fewer minutes of break a day [1] than in 1995, and a quarter of secondary schools report lunch breaks of 35 minutes or less [2]. The weather takes even more. The UK sees 106 to 164 rainy days a year, often forcing breaks and lunch indoors, and even when children do get outside, they’re less active on wet days [3]. None of this research looks specifically at covered play areas, but the picture it paints is clear: time outdoors is limited, and poor weather eats into what’s left. A covered outdoor space can help schools make the most of every break. Whatever the forecast, children can still eat and play in the fresh air, so the playtime they have is less likely to be lost to the rain.
Outdoor spaces that work for university students
Outdoor space has become a key part of campus life at UK universities. It gives students somewhere to study, socialise, eat and switch off away from lecture halls and libraries. Time outdoors is widely linked to lower stress, better concentration and a stronger sense of community, all of which matter to student wellbeing and to how a university is seen by prospective applicants. The British weather is the obvious obstacle. Without shelter, courtyards, cafes and social areas stand empty for much of the academic year, which runs through the wettest and coldest months. Well-designed awnings, canopies and covered walkways solve this by turning exposed spaces into usable ones in rain or strong sun. Examples include a cafe terrace that stays busy in October, a sheltered seating area where students can meet between lectures, and a covered route that links buildings. Retractable awnings open up spaces on bright days and give cover when showers roll in. Fixed canopies provide year-round protection over entrances, bike stores and outdoor dining areas. Heating, lighting and side screens can extend their use into winter evenings. By investing in covered outdoor areas, universities can get far more from the space they already have and create a welcoming, healthier environment that students actually want to spend time in.
Improve the management of your outdoor space.
Eastern Awnings provides canopy solutions that help improve educational facilities. They enhance play areas, add to learning outside the classroom, and create shade. Children, pupils, teachers, assistants and parents can benefit from sun, wind and rain protection when spending valuable time outdoors.
Extend time spent in the open air.
Making better use of your grounds, especially where there is a lack of suitable cover, can extend the amount of unlimited time spent outside doing healthy outdoor activities. Canopies can also be used to create additional space for classrooms. Eastern Awnings’ singular or coupled solutions can create large multi-use covered areas to be used for learning or other extracurricular activities.
Limit educational delays.
Add canopies to help maintain activity schedules. When combining outdoor projects with indoor learning it makes sense to avoid delays, which can often be brought on by poor weather. Providing protected facilities with potentially limitless shading opportunities can support efficient and effective lesson planning.
Prioritise sun-safe behaviour.
Increase the amount of shade available with an Eastern Awnings canopy. knowing that pupils are getting protection from the majority of UV rays, and can find a cool spot, offers piece of mind. Practical points like providing cover over seating areas, where equipment is being used, or where organised activities take place can contribute to your sun safe policy.
Awning types
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