School playgrounds across the country are growing to appreciate the benefits of outdoor education with outdoor classrooms. Get your students involved in school outdoor learning with activities, play, and socialisation in an outdoor classroom built to provide a positive learning environment. Outdoor classrooms from The School Playground Company cater to the many needs of developing children. They combine equipment for play, education, and creativity, all in one cohesive outdoor classroom design. Here are some of the options available to help design a unique multi-use shelter perfect for primary schools.
Interior Creative and Educational Panels
To set up an outdoor classroom as an effective and well-rounded space to help children engage in outdoor learning activities, teachers require some key tools. We can build these educational necessities into your outdoor classroom design for easy access and easy use by teachers and children.
You can customise the infill side panels of our gazebos with a range of panelling, trellis, or open sides. One of the most popular options for an outdoor classroom infill panel is the giant whiteboard. When installed, one side of the gazebo becomes the front of the classroom from which the teacher directs learning.
A central whiteboard on the playground allows students to explore independent learning during outdoor lessons or on breaks. This is a great opportunity to encourage self-expression, creativity, and even self-directed learning. By leaving sums or questions on the board after lessons for students to answer or ponder, the playground becomes an even better environment for learning.
The School Playground Company also provides a wide variety of creative play panels to facilitate artistic learning on the playground. In your outdoor classroom, we can install chalkboards and even paint stations for children to express themselves however they wish. Additionally, our classroom flooring options are easy to clean, so any mess from these creative outdoor learning activities and educational explorations can be sorted out quickly and simply.
Exterior Play Panels and Sensory Equipment
On the playground, especially in smaller playground areas, an outdoor classroom can become a gathering point for activity and play. This creates an exciting and positive learning environment around the classroom for a wide variety of activities. In this way, sensory, imaginative and creative equipment can create a lively and social area for children of all ages.
Installing artistic and sensory play panels or messy play areas onto the external structure brings activity on the playground to a central point. This improves safety as teachers and lunch time supervisors can set up shop in the shelter while keeping an eye on students when required. A variety of educational and sensory play panels in one space can also bring children of different interests and abilities together in a healthy, social way.
One piece of equipment we recommend for the exterior of the outdoor classroom or gazebo is our messy play kitchen equipment. This sensory and exploratory equipment is great for any EYFS outdoor activity area. Children are free to play and experiment with different materials individually or with others in an easy-clean outdoor space adjoining the outdoor classroom.
Electric Socket Installation
As an extra special addition to our outdoor classroom construction, our team can install electric sockets to the structures. This helps expand the scope of outdoor teaching ideas by facilitating more typical learning activities seen in indoor classrooms. All while still exposing children to a new learning environment with fresh air and natural light.
All electrical work is carried out by a competent NIC EIC accredited electrician to the highest standards to ensure your safety.
Seating Options
Long benches around the gazebo perimeter, individual seats, or portable stackable cube stools are important to include when budgeting for an outdoor classroom. For a full-length outdoor lesson, seating where students can see the teacher at the front of the class while remaining comfortable is important. This is especially true for young children, for whom concentrating while standing for longer periods is difficult.
Made with splinter-proof, treated wood, our seating options can put a great finishing touch on any outdoor classroom. This helps to make an outdoor classroom a safe space for children to relax, socialise, and learn in between periods of active play on the playground.
Storage Areas
Avoiding clutter while providing a range of equipment, toys, and tools for students is key to encouraging independent play. Storage containers should therefore not be overlooked when designing and planning your new outdoor space. With a range of sizes for custom storage cupboards and even bike shelters, schools can provide key items whenever required. Students therefore have easy access to important items like umbrellas and wellies as well as play bikes and other toys.
Our team can build these into the side of your outdoor shelters or install them as adjoining features. These are fitted with secure locks to keep any contents safe overnight, ensuring play items are protected.
Additionally, the wooden materials that our team uses help to create a cohesive design across all equipment. Made in the same workshop, The School Playground Company designs and installs bespoke outdoor shelters with many different options for furniture.
Accessibility Options
Creating a fully equipped outdoor space means that all children should be able to access and enjoy the equipment. Therefore, we provide options for wheelchair accessibility, including ramps, larger structures or full manoeuvrability, and easy-entry points into shelters.
Develop your Outdoor Classroom Design Today for the Best Outdoor Learning Atmosphere for your Students.
Start exploring your options by booking an appointment or getting your Free Quote with us today.
Simply fill in our handy contact form, email us at info@schoolplaygroundcompany.co.uk or give us a call at 01455 412134. Start your journey with The School Playground Company!
