The summer is a great time for thinking ahead to the new academic year, and how you could improve your school facilities this coming autumn term.
One feature in particular, a school canopy, offers your premises a number of unique benefits. And there are various reasons why September and October are ideal months for having this facility installed, rather than over the summer holidays.
Here are some of the benefits to look forward to:
- Jump the queue by avoiding the summer holiday
Because many schools believe the summer holidays are the best time to erect one of these structures, it can create intense demand. But by using the autumn term, you’re much more likely to be able to book construction for your dates of choice.
- Safety first
Disruption is minimal when erecting a school canopy whatever the time of year, and shouldn’t take longer than a working week. Equally, especially if you go for early autumn, there should still be enough daylight hours and fine weather for the project to stay on schedule.
We always take safety incredibly seriously, especially during term-time when students are around. All our staff are fully vetted and DBS checked, plus we’ll erect secure hoarding around the construction site so that none of your pupils can access it when they’re at school.
- Reduced labour costs
We can spend less on labour outside the summer holiday, and because we can to pass this saving on to the end user, you’ll have your canopy in place for a lower price.
- Autumn is a great time to install a new canopy
Autumn is a great time of year to enjoy your canopy once it’s good to go, whether you’re using it as a learning space, a dining area or anything else. The seasonal changes and gorgeous colours, for example, are the ideal point in the year to bring art classes to life. Make the most of the natural environment for inspiration, for instance by using autumn leaves and more, including in science, nature and geography lessons as well as art sessions. Alternatively, combine canopy-based classes with time outside on a nature ramble and discuss what the children have found on their return.
The cooler autumn air can even boost immune systems – and we all tend to feel more energised at this time of year.
Canopies and covered walkways provide safe places once winter sets in and it starts to get darker earlier. These prevent trip-and-slip accidents by keeping surfaces dry. And if you have a walkway like this connecting classrooms, children will also get to enjoy some fresh air between lessons.
Canopy considerations
If you’re wondering where to start with your canopy project, here are some things to consider:
- Think about what problem your structure will solve, whether that’s a lack of room for dining, children getting wet between lessons or squeezed classroom space.
- Where will you locate your canopy? Will it look good and complement the existing building? What colours would you like?
- Think about materials – aluminium is great and can be powder-coated to colour-match its surroundings. For the roof, polycarbonate is tougher than glass and comes in varied styles and hues.
- Don’t forget drainage. Integral downpipes and gutters could provide one solution.
- Choose your canopy type – modular or bespoke, freestanding or lean-to.
Finally, make sure your canopy posts won’t clash with opening windows or doors. This prevents damage to the frame, doors and windows, while eliminating any potential safety issues. A good site survey should factor all this in.
School canopies from Kensington Systems
Kensington Systems has smart-looking, long-lasting school canopy solutions to suit a range of outdoor environments. We do free site surveys, and include all groundworks as standard. What’s more, we’ll be with you throughout, from initial concept through to construction and beyond.
Let us work with you so your structure’s built after classes resume this September. Talk to us today about how we could enhance your school premises and daily life with one of our high-quality structures.
