What was the project brief?
Ysgol Ty Ffynnon in Shotton, Flintshire wanted a set of outdoor shelters to revolutionise its facilities and offer some high-quality protection from rain and wind for its staff and pupils. The team wanted them to come in matching designs to create a feeling of uniformity in the grounds, with unobtrusive colours that blended into the architecture. It was also important that the canopies were installed with post protector pads to make sure the children were safe when running around beneath them. A&S Landscape were recommended by a local institution that had recently had a shelter installed by them and were delighted with the experience, and they were pleased to extend their work in this area.

What was the canopy solution?
Following talks about what they required from them and the new structures, Ysgol Ty Ffynnon chose Motiva Linear™. This is a popular model as it has a robust build and straight roof that easily keeps out the unpredictable British weather, and it has a Dura-coat™ finish that allows it to look fantastic for many years. They installed Squirrel Grey steelwork and Opal polycarbonate roofs that looked sleek and subtle, making for six identical canopies that could do their job beautifully while not detracting from the look of the building. They all measured 5900mm X 4000mm which was just the right size for multiple groups of pupils to play, eat or relax underneath them. What’s more, they added 24 post protector pads to ensure safety was the top priority.

What was the result of the new shelters?
Ysgol Ty Ffynnon loves its six outdoor canopies. The post protector pads were a welcome addition to reduce the risk of accidents, and the matching designs have made the facilities look even more impressive and in line with the ideals of putting children first. Plus, pupils can now have fun outside in all seasons with imaginative play, outdoor learning or eating lunch. The project was a successful one and it was a pleasure to be part of improving provisions for these Welsh pupils.

Testimonial
“I am very pleased with the work from start to finish, the fitters have been exceptionally polite and courteous throughout their time with us. The canopies are outstanding and more than live up to expectations. I will certainly recommend A&S to other schools. They have been a pleasure to have in school.” Ysgol Ty Ffynnon

About the client
Ysgol Ty Ffynnon has the children it teaches at its heart, and it says on its website that its vision is ‘Working and learning together with pride’. One of its achievements is being the first school in Wales to be awarded the ‘ADHD Friendly School’ Award from the ADHD Foundation, due to ensuring children with ADHD can fully access the curriculum. The staff were enjoyable to collaborate with and we wish them all the best for the future.

Ysgol Ty Ffynnon is located in Shotton, Flintshire, in North East Wales. This county has an array of fascinating attractions, such as the Grade 1 listed Gladstone’s library in Hawarden, founded by William Gladstone in 1889. The town of Mold offers Wales’ leading producing theatre, Theatr Clwyd, while Holywell is host to one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, St Winefride’s Well.

Why is outdoor play so important for young children?
With technology continually playing a more substantial role in the lives of all generations, many children are playing outside less often. One report found that only 10% of children play in the natural environment compared to 40% of adults when they were young – this can lead to not getting enough exercise and increasing rates of obesity. It is essential that youngsters have access to the outdoors to keep fit and get out in the sunshine in healthy amounts to regulate their sleep, as well as encourage their bodies to generate vitamin D to fight infection. There are also huge opportunities for social development and learning through outdoor play.

Would you like to install a canopy structure so your pupils can play in the fresh air in all weathers? Contact A&S Landscape and discover how they can make this happen – email at sales@aandslandscape.com or call on 01743 444100 today.

What other canopies are useful for schools?
There is a huge range of shelters available – something to suit any institution’s needs and space, and models of any colour and configuration. Tensile canopy systems can instantly make an outdoor area more fun and useful for a community, while covered walkway systems can unite sites with more than one building and keep everyone dry in the rain when moving between them.