How to Make the Most of Your Playground

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How to Make the Most of Your Playground

Even the smallest outdoor spaces can be transformed into inspiring areas for learning and play, especially with a school canopy. Whether you’re working in a compact urban nursery or simply looking to optimise your current outdoor provision, there are creative ways to enhance your early years environment and support the goals of the EYFS framework.

Outdoor learning is a vital part of early development, encouraging children to explore, imagine, and engage with the world around them. But when space is limited, it can be challenging to provide an area that is both accessible and enriching. At Able Canopies, we believe that with a little planning and the right resources, any outdoor space—no matter how small—can become a valuable extension of your classroom.

Here are our top tips for making the most of limited outdoor space:

Start with a Plan

Before making any changes, take time to evaluate your space. Create a scaled drawing to visualise how different features could fit. Don’t overlook areas like narrow pathways, unused corners, or empty flower beds; these spots often hold untapped potential for small-group activities, nature-based learning, or quiet zones.

Understand the Needs of Your Children

Tailor your outdoor space to the different age groups within your setting. Ask the children what they would enjoy, whether it’s a peaceful space to relax, a creative corner, or a more active play zone. Their feedback will help you design an environment they feel connected to and excited about.

Utilise Your Vertical Space

When floor space is tight, go vertical. Outdoor walls can host chalkboards, magnetic boards, sensory panels, or colourful murals. If walls aren’t available, post-mounted play panels are a versatile and cost-effective option. These interactive features not only save space but also add valuable learning opportunities.

Incorporate Flexible Resources

Sand and water play are ideal for compact outdoor areas, as they encourage sensory exploration and are suitable for all ages. By adding canopies or covers, such as our Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy, you can ensure these areas remain usable in all weather conditions, offering both sun protection and rain shelter.

Keep it Fresh and Engaging

Introduce a rotation of outdoor resources to maintain interest and variety. Items like balls, hoops, scooters, musical instruments, and seasonal materials (such as leaves, snow, or twigs) help children engage with their environment in new ways. Natural play elements can also enhance sensory development and spark curiosity.

Make Sure It’s Accessible to All

Accessibility is key. Your outdoor space should be inclusive for children with mobility challenges, sensory impairments, or other additional needs. Consider surface materials, ramp access, and sensory-friendly zones. For more tips on inclusive design, check out our blog on Creating an Inclusive Outdoor Space: Tips for Schools and Nurseries.

Provide Year-Round Use

Outdoor learning shouldn’t be limited by the weather. A permanent canopy or shelter allows children to enjoy the space throughout the seasons, whether it’s raining or bright and sunny. Our canopies, including the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy, are designed to offer excellent UV protection and reliable shelter, making them a smart and affordable solution for early years settings.

With thoughtful planning and a few clever additions, even the most compact outdoor spaces can offer rich and rewarding learning opportunities.

Download our latest brochure to explore our full range of shade and shelter solutions tailored for nurseries and early years environments:

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures at schools, nurseries and educational settings to enable year-round Free Flow Outdoor Play and Outdoor Learning.
For more information please contact us

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