Academy Grounds and Learning Newsletter - Feb 2026
ACADEMY GROUNDS AND LEARNING
Hel ping academies makethemost of their outdoor areas, whatever theweather.
Case Study: Outdoor Dining Canopy Installed at an Academy in Cumbria Planning Ahead for Spring and Summer - Investing in Outdoor Facilities Creating Healthier Lunchtimes: The Value of Covered Outdoor Dining in Academies
"Werecentlyhad a canopy fitted within our Reception settingat Sheep Dip Lane Academy. Wonderful service from start to finish even workingduringterm timesafely and followingfull safeguarding. Wearenowbudgetingfor a second canopy."
Sheep Dip Lane Academy, South Yorkshire HIGHLIGHTS:
Brought to you by Able Canopies www ablecanopies co uk sales@ablecanopies co uk 0800 389 9072
EDITOR'SWELCOME
Hello and welcome to our very first edition of AcademyGrounds and Learning; our brand-new bi-annual newsletter designed specifically for UK academies
Within this newsletter, you will find a selection of articles to give you inspiration for transforming your outdoor areas along with ideas you can incorporate into your outdoor lessons and outdoor play, and the latest
funding news to help you fund your outdoor projects
So take a break, sit back, relax with a cuppa and have a read Hopefully you'll be able to take some ideas back to the classroom.
If you enjoy reading, feel free to leave a copy in your staffroom for your colleagues to enjoy too If they would like to receive their own copies, head to
www.ablecanopies.co.uk/newsletter and we'll add them to the list I hope you find lot's of inspiration you can use for the rest of winter and going into spring, we'll be back in the summer for more.
Best Wishes
Excellent Solar Gain Propert ies
Unlim it ed Lengt h & up t o 11 5m Project ion
Rust Resist ant Alum inium Fram e
Available in Any RAL colour Wall Mount ed & Free St anding Opt ions
Vandal & Shat t er Resist ant Roof Panels
Excellent Fire Rat ing Blocks Over 98% of UV Rays
To explore t he Conist on furt her scan t he QR code below or visit : w w w ablecanopies co uk/ conist on
Dining Canopy Inst allat ion at Workingt on Academ y CASE STUDY
Extending dining capacity with an all-weather outdoor dining space for students
Superimposed imageat thequotingstage.
Client Needs
Workington Academy required a canopy outside their dining area to cover approx 30m x 5m They were looking for the best value canopy that would stand up to the rigours of a secondary school environment and encourage their students to enjoy their lunch outside
Our Solut ion
Upon discovering they require a canopy to cover an outdoor dining area, we suggested the Stepped Coniston Freestanding Canopy to create a large canopy with the total dimensions of 10m x 22m to cover a whopping 220 square meters.
The Result s
Workington Academy?s requirements were successfully met with the installation of their outdoor dining canopy, providing a spacious and sheltered area where students and staff can comfortably dine outdoors throughout the year
The canopy also covers the academy?s food pod, offering additional weather protection and enhancing overall usability.
HOW WALL MOUNTED CANOPIES CAN HELP MANAGE SOLAR GAIN
Excessive solar gain in classrooms is a common challenge for schools, particularly in buildings with large glazed areas When direct sunlight enters a classroom, internal temperatures rise quickly, often leading to discomfort for pupils and staff and increased reliance on air conditioning or additional heating
Wall mounted canopies provide an effective solution by shading windows and glazed façades before sunlight reaches the glass By blocking direct sunlight, they help regulate internal temperatures, reduce glare, and create a more comfortable learning environment throughout the school day
Modern canopy systems also offer high levels of UVprotection, helping
to protect classroom furniture, flooring, and equipment from sun damage
In addition, our Coniston canopy roof panels feature thermal properties that diffuse light rather than allowing harsh sunlight to penetrate the classroom, maintaining natural daylight without excessive heat.
By reducing solar gain, wall mounted canopies can lower energy consumption Classrooms remain cooler during warmer months, reducing the need for air conditioning, while improved temperature stability supports more efficient heating during colder periods
Reducing Energy Bills and Im proving Energy Efficiency
Over time, this can contribute to noticeable savings on energy bills which is particularly important for academies managing tight budgets
Beyond thermal performance, wall mounted canopies also provide weather protection for entrances and circulation areas, enhance building appearance, and support sustainability goals through passive temperature control
Our canopies are perfect for academies looking to improve classroom comfort, reduce energy costs, and create more resilient learning environments, wall mounted canopies offer a practical, long-term solution
One of the key advantages of installing wall mounted canopies is the impact on energy consumption
By reducing solar gain:
- Classrooms stay cooler naturally during warmer months
- The need for air conditioning and portable cooling units is reduced
- Heating systems work more efficiently due to improved temperature regulation
- Overall electricity and heating costs are lowered
For multi-academy trusts managing multiple sites, these savings can add up to a significant reduction in annual energy spend
CREATING HEALTHIER LUNCHTIMES: THE VALUE OF COVERED OUTDOOR DINING IN ACADEMIES
Outdoor dining is becoming an increasingly valuable feature for academies across the UK As education providers continue to prioritise pupil wellbeing, space efficiency, and flexible use of outdoor areas, covered outdoor dining spaces offer a practical and highly beneficial solution.
One of the primary advantages of outdoor dining is its positive impact on pupil wellbeing Fresh air and natural light contribute to improved mood, reduced stress, and better concentration. Enabling students to eat outdoors provides a change of environment from the classroom, supporting mental wellbeing and encouraging social interaction in a more relaxed setting. This can be particularly beneficial during busy school days, helping pupils return to lessons feeling refreshed.
Outdoor dining areas also help academies maximise the use of their available space By creating covered dining areas outside, schools can reduce pressure on indoor halls and canteens, especially during peak lunch periods
This additional capacity can improve crowd management, reduce noise levels indoors, and
create a more comfortable dining experience for students and staff alike
Weather protection is a key consideration when planning outdoor dining facilities This is where high-quality canopy solutions play a vital role
Our commercial canopies are designed to provide reliable shelter from rain, wind, and excessive sun, allowing outdoor dining areas to be used throughout the year rather than only in favourable weather By reducing direct sun exposure, canopies also help manage solar gain on adjacent buildings, supporting more comfortable internal temperatures
In particular, the Tarnhow glulam timber canopy range is ideally suited for creating covered outdoor dining areas and are particularly popular within educational environments
Manufactured using durable, pressure-treated timber, the Tarnhow range offers a natural, warm aesthetic that complements school surroundings while maintaining the strength and longevity required for commercial use
Glulam timber canopies are especially popular with academies looking to create welcoming, inclusive spaces that
blend seamlessly with landscaped outdoor areas
The Tarnhow range can be tailored to suit a wide variety of layouts, whether covering picnic benches, seating areas, or purpose-built dining zones. Its robust construction ensures long-term performance, while the option to integrate roofing materials such as polycarbonate allows natural light to filter through without exposing pupils to harsh weather conditions
Beyond dining, covered outdoor spaces created with the Tarnhow Glulam Timber Canopy can also be used for socialising, quiet time, or informal learning, further increasing their value to the academy This flexibility makes timber dining canopies a cost-effective investment that supports both operational needs and pupil experience
In summary, outdoor dining offers academies clear benefits in terms of wellbeing, space management, and flexibility. With thoughtfully designed canopy solutions such as Able Canopies?Tarnhow Glulam timber canopy range, academies can create attractive, durable, and practical covered dining areas that enhance the school environment, are cost-effective and less time consuming than extensions and can be enjoyed throughout the year.
INTRODUCING TARNHOW TIMBER CANOPIES FOR OUTDOOR DINING
The Tarnhow Glulam timber canopy range by Able Canopies features five striking, stylish shade and shelter structures that are perfect for outdoor dining within academies as well as outdoor classrooms, events shelters, MUGA canopies and much more.
Why Invest in a Tim ber Canopy from Able Canopies?
Choice of attractive curved & linear designs
All year round protection
High UVprotection against UVrays
Constructed from glulaminated timber, sourced from PEFCAccredited Timber Merchants
The Glulam timber frame is fire resistant to BS5268
Vandal and shatter resistant polycarbonate roofing
Approved Glulam Timber ? Complies with the requirements of British Standard BSEN 386: 2001
FIND OUT MORE
Discover the Tarnhow timber canopy range now, scan the QRcode or visit: www ablecanopies co uk/timber
Planning Ahead for Spring and Sum m er
Investingin Outdoor Facilitiesfor Academies
As academies begin planning for the spring and summer terms, now is the ideal time to review outdoor facilities and consider how they can best support pupils, staff, and the wider school community With budgets being set well in advance, early planning allows schools to make informed, cost-effective decisions that deliver long-term value
Outdoor spaces play an increasingly important role in modern education From breaktimes and outdoor learning to dining and social interaction, well-designed external areas help schools maximise space usage while supporting wellbeing, behaviour, and engagement
Budget Planning for Out door Im provem ent s
When allocating budgets for the new financial year, outdoor facilities should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a short-term expense High-quality outdoor structures can:
- Extend the usability of playgrounds and dining areas throughout the year
- Reduce pressure on internal space during peak times
- Support curriculum delivery through outdoor learning
- Enhance the overall appearance and functionality of the school site
Planning early also gives academies the opportunity to explore phased installations, secure competitive pricing, and ensure projects are delivered during quieter periods such as school holidays
Outdoor facilitiesshould beviewed asa long-term investment, not a short-term cost.
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Why Canopies Are a Sm art Invest m ent for Schools
A professionally installed canopy is one of the most versatile and cost-effective additions to any school environment Designed to provide reliable shelter from rain, wind, and sun, canopies allow outdoor areas to be used safely and comfortably in all seasons
Key benefit s of school canopies include:
- All-w eat her prot ect ion ? enabling year-round use of playgrounds and outdoor dining spaces
- Im proved pupil w ellbeing ? providing shade during warmer months and shelter during wet weather
- Flexible usage ?suitable for play, learning, queuing, performances, and social spaces
- Long-t erm durabilit y ?commercial-grade structures designed for daily school use
For outdoor dining areas in particular, canopies help manage space more efficiently by allowing pupils to eat outside comfortably, easing congestion in dining halls and improving the lunchtime experience
Support ing Fut ure-Focused School Environm ent s
As academies continue to adapt to changing needs, outdoor facilities that offer flexibility and longevity are essential Canopies can be tailored to suit individual layouts, age groups, and aesthetic requirements, ensuring they integrate seamlessly with existing buildings and grounds
By incorporating canopy installations into spring and summer planning, schools can make the most of their outdoor spaces while ensuring budgets are spent on solutions that deliver lasting impact
If you would like further information on how a canopy could enhance your playground or outdoor dining area, early discussions can help ensure your project is planned, budgeted, and delivered efficiently-ready for the warmer months ahead Contact us today on 0800 389 9072, or email sales@ablecanopies co uk
