A Simple Structure that Unlocks Outdoor Creativity

If you’ve ever worked in a school, you’ll know the feeling—planning an outdoor lesson or breaktime activity, only for the clouds to roll in and the rain to send everyone back inside. Or the reverse—students excited for playtime, but the heat and glare making it unsafe to be out for long.

This unpredictability is part of UK life, but it’s also why purpose-built outdoor shelters are becoming essential. Far from being “just” a covered area, well-designed canopies turn outdoor spaces into usable, comfortable, and inspiring environments all year round.

A Case in Point: Claremont Special School’s Outdoor Sensory Garden

Claremont Special School

When AFLA Chartered Landscape Architects set out to create an outdoor sensory garden for Claremont Special School in Bristol, one of their goals was to ensure pupils could enjoy the garden every month of the year.

Part of their vision included a timber canopy that would:

Provide shade from harmful UV rays.
Offer protection from rain and wind.
Blend naturally into the garden’s design.

We worked with the architects to supply and install a Tarnhow Curved Freestanding Canopy, measuring 9m x 5m and finished in a Light Oak stain as specified. Installed in May 2014, this structure blends natural timber warmth with robust weather protection—making the garden accessible and inviting all year round.

“The canopy has been greatly appreciated for shade protection since school re-started in September.”— Alex Fraser CMLI, Afla Ltd.

“Great job!”— D. Galliers, Site Manager, Claremont Special School

The Bigger Picture: Why Outdoor Canopies Matter in Education

The benefits of outdoor learning are well documented. Research shows that spending even an hour outside can improve concentration, wellbeing, and resilience in children. These benefits are particularly valued in the Ofsted framework, which emphasises enriched learning environments, personal development, and positive behaviour.

Sheltered outdoor spaces offer schools:

Year-round usability – Lessons, playtime, and activities can continue regardless of rain or glare.
Protection from UV exposure – Quality canopies can block up to 99% of harmful rays.
Inclusive environments – Especially valuable for pupils with sensory needs, who benefit from calming, comfortable spaces.
Cost-effective expansion – Adds functional space without the complexity of a permanent building extension.
Energy efficiency – Shading nearby classrooms helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for cooling.

From Vulnerability to Asset

In a climate where weather extremes are becoming more common, schools can’t afford to let outdoor areas go unused for much of the year. Instead, they can re-frame them as all-season assets—spaces that encourage active learning, social interaction, and community engagement.

Claremont Special School’s sensory garden canopy is just one example of how the right structure can make that possible.

Question for you: How is your school or community space preparing to make the most of the outdoors, whatever the season?

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install commercial grade canopies, shade sails, awnings and shelters across the UK. We specialise in servicing the education, leisure, healthcare and retail sectors and have extensive experience working with schools, councils, architects and contracting firms.
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A Simple Structure that Unlocks Outdoor Creativity

A Case in Point: Claremont Special School’s Outdoor Sensory Garden

The Bigger Picture: Why Outdoor Canopies Matter in Education

Sheltered outdoor spaces offer schools:

From Vulnerability to Asset

See also