When education budgets are constantly under pressure and there’s limited space in schools it can be tricky to improve provision for children.
This is even more the case for the 1.5 million children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as demand is currently outstripping resources across the UK.
However, there are still cost-effective ways schools can improve SEND facilities by reconfiguring existing spaces and adding playground canopies and outdoor classrooms.
Adapt outside space to natural areas
Many schools have little grassy parcels of unloved land which they could turn into a calm space for SEND pupils by creating a colourful garden with shrubs, flowers or wildflowers.
Some schools who can afford the space have fenced off a small part of the playing field to grow vegetables and plant fruit trees and bushes.
Gardening can help keep children focussed on an activity like digging and planting and give those children who are very sensitive to noise a break from a classroom.
Reports show SEND children can reset their attention span after spending time in green spaces as well as reduce their anxiety and stress levels.
Reconfigure outside space for play areas
Children love to spend time outside especially in the warmer weather but children with SEND may find it difficult to play with other children or on traditional play equipment.
Unused space can be adapted to a play area with specialist equipment such as a swing or trampoline which can help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) cope with stress and anxiety and moderate any difficult behaviour.
Reuse existing space
It’s sometimes possible to reconfigure existing space in the school cheaply and soundproof it for children with ASD who are very sensitive to noise.
The room can be decorated in calming colours with comfortable seating and cushions.
It can be used as a chill out area where children with SEND can safely calm any difficult emotions and behaviours or used as a temporary classroom.
Cost-effective outdoor classrooms
Research demonstrates outdoor classrooms help children de-stress, relieve anxiety by providing a relaxed environment away from the formal classroom where many SEND children may feel overwhelmed by noise and social interaction.
An outdoor classroom can be used for a variety of activities from a quiet space for SEND pupils to study or for messy play such as playing with sand, water or clay or gardening.
Spaceshade canopies can be installed quickly without planning permission and are much cheaper than traditional builds which are three times more expensive.
Year-round outdoor play
Canopies are used in many schools to cover SEND play equipment so children can use calming play equipment like swings and trampolines all year round.
They also protect expensive equipment, helping to protect it from extreme weather and keep it in good condition, thereby lowering maintenance costs.
Canopies are super adaptable & reusable
The beauty of Spaceshade canopies is that they are extremely flexible to suit customers’ needs and their modular design means they can fit in unused hard to reach and awkward spaces.
It also means they can be adapted to suit your needs in the future if you wanted to change the canopy’s use, for example, turning it into an enclosed area by adding side walls, lighting and heating.
Sunshine on a rainy day with colourful canopies
Spaceshade’s roof panels come in a variety of colours such as yellows and oranges helping to bring the sunshine into a classroom or playground all year round.
We have many years of experience of installing canopies in schools and our experts are happy to talk through a quote and the initial process to installation. Contact us.
