The Brief: To create a functional and sheltered outdoor seating area for up to 30 pupils which could be used as an outdoor classroom and which also provides a facility for children to use at playtimes.

Ian Roberts of Outdoor and Play explains the final design: “Whilst the natural setting beneath the trees lent itself well to an outdoor facility, the area was neglected and overgrown, with half buried debris in the undergrowth. This had to be removed if children were to be encouraged into the space. Access across grass potentially created its own problems, so we created low barrier fencing between feature entrances onto concrete footpaths.

I also felt strongly that the facility should look as if it fitted into, and not onto the space, which involved careful selection of materials and sympathetic landscaping. More importantly, we wanted to create a space which appealed to children so we felt that the performance stage was an important element.

We are very proud of the finished result which not only looks like it belongs, but also has great acoustics and provides a real feeling of protection and shelter”

“...work was carried out to a very high standard. Great care was taken with site safety during the construction phase, workmen were pleasant, helpful and very hard working and quality of the finished product is excellent... we are delighted with the outcome... rest assured that if further work in our grounds is proposed we will contact (Outdoor & Play) again.”//Mr John Berry – Headteacher

Head teacher Mr John Berry says: “The provision of an outdoor seating area was under review for some time. An overgrown corner had been identified as a potential site for development, but we were unsure as to how to put this to best use. After discussion with a number of different agencies we followed up a recommendation from another school and contacted Outdoor & Play. We were immediately impressed by the professional yet friendly and individual attention we were given which included a number of site visits and an outline of possible schemes with detailed drawings and costing.

Once a scheme was finally agreed and approved, work soon followed and was carried out to a very high standard. Great care was taken with site safety during the construction phase, workmen were pleasant, helpful and very hard working and quality of the finished product is excellent.

Overall we are delighted with the outcome... rest assured that if further work in our grounds is proposed we will contact (Outdoor & Play) again.”

What the children had to say: