Outside time throughout the seasons

Nobody needs convincing of the need for shade in the school grounds. But have you considered all the spaces shade structures could be useful?

Outdoor learning areas are greatly enhanced by the addition of shade structures, making them useable year-round and in most weather. These outdoor spaces can become whole-school meeting points, outdoor classrooms, wet weather eating areas, and places to play sport.

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Protection from the elements is also important in many other areas of the school. Staff will appreciate shade structures in the staff car park, to shield them and their vehicle from rain and sun. Playgrounds should provide students with adequate shade protection to minimise the damaging effects of the sun, and ensure the longevity of playground equipment.

If your school has points where students regularly stand outside to wait or line up, for example outside the tuckshop or classrooms, a shade system may be useful here. Main walkways and thoroughfares should also be adequately shaded, to provide ease of access in all weather.

Shade safety

Some basic measures will stop your sun safety systems from introducing other risks to students’ health and safety.

The Ministry of Education says that schools must take adequate precautions to prevent people from climbing on any shade structures. If people are able to access the roof of shade structures, there is a risk that they will fall through. Posts should be fitted with padding in areas like playgrounds where students may bump into them. Anchorage points for shade sails should be visible, and away from main thoroughfares to avoid trips.

As well as coverage for large areas, shade structures can be used to provide shelter in smaller spaces. Bus stops or pick up zones, outdoor bag racks, walkways and small storage areas can all benefit from the addition of shade structures.

To get more from your shade structure, innovative ideas could include capturing rainwater run off to water gardens, or affixing solar panels if suitable to access some off-the-grid power.

Shade sails

Shade sails are available in a range of colours so you can customise your sails to match your school colours or the surrounding landscape. There are also size options, making sails suitable for many areas of your schools.

Derek Suckling from Shade Systems said custom-made shade sails offer schools a range of benefits over ready-made options. “They provide a perfect fit for the specific outdoor spaces, ensuring optimal coverage and protection from the sun. Schools can tailor the design to match their branding, colours and environment, while custom sails often use higher-quality materials for greater durability.

“This customisation enhances safety and supports outdoor learning by creating comfortable, shaded areas. Though the initial cost may be higher, custom sails offer long-term cost savings through improved longevity and reduced maintenance.”

Skilled installers can provide advice on considerations specific to your school, for example location and placement, material quality, and anchorage. “It is highly recommended to get an expert supplier who you can trust for advice as this is an investment that will enhance your school and provide shelter for generations,” Mr Suckling said.

When planning for your shade sail, it is also important to consider the position of the sun, which changes throughout the day and with the seasons. Installers can help you work out where the sun will be when you most need coverage and position the sail accordingly. Consideration should also be given to any nearby trees, and the sail arranged to minimise leaf fall onto the shade sail.

Mr Suckling explained: “First, determine the optimal positioning to cover areas where shade is most needed, such as playgrounds and outdoor classrooms, while considering the sun’s path throughout the day to ensure maximum coverage. Proper anchoring is crucial, and the sail must be securely attached to suitable surfaces or poles.”

In playgrounds or sandpits, for example, the sail might be positioned to provide the most sun protection between 10am and 2pm, when students are most likely to be using the playground, and the sun is at its hottest. Shade sails in outdoor eating areas could be arranged to allow some sun in throughout the day, particularly in winter, to ensure students get some sunlight and vitamin D, and that nearby buildings still benefit from natural light.

Shade sails should be regularly inspected to ensure there is no sagging, fraying, or holes which need repairing. They should also be cleaned as necessary to remove dirt and leaves which will stop light from reaching the area below and may cause the fabric to deteriorate.

“The effectiveness of the shade structure hinges on a well thought out design,” Mr Suckling said. “A combination of thoughtful design, quality materials, and skilled workmanship will ensure that the shade sail offers effective, long-lasting shelter and a solid return on investment.”

Shade structures

Some areas of your school will be better suited to shade structures and canopies. These can be custom designed to fit your space and design requirements. Transparent roofing can be used to ensure natural light still enters the area, while providing protection from UV rays.

Katrina Evans from Archgola said canopies can be custom designed for each individual space, and can eliminate up to 99 percent of harmful rays. “Companies should work with schools to design the structure to facilitate indoor/outdoor flow, and assess the feasibility of incorporating outdoor blinds or side walls for added flexibility.”

Covering outdoor spaces can transform these areas into extra classrooms or meeting areas, helping students to enjoy some time outdoors as part of their school day. Having access to a range of outdoor covered spaces can also prove invaluable in periods of wet weather, when tamariki need to get out of the classroom for lunch breaks but must remain sheltered.

“Once the total area to cover has been established options for the roof design should be assessed,” Ms Evans said. “This may be arched, which will give you the widest span between support poles, gullwing, which is a double arch for very wide areas, or a flat profile.”

As with shade sails, shade structures should be inspected regularly and maintained as required. Routine cleaning of the structure should also be carried out to ensure its longevity.

Ms Evans said: “In addition to offering UV protection, roofing must meet MOE trafficable requirements. A quality roofing solution should provide the required trafficable strength and be highly resistant to chemicals and have low-surface erosion.”

With careful planning, considered design, and collaboration with expert installers, shade structures can improve comfort, safety and visual appeal to almost any area of your school.

This article was first published in the Term 4 edition of School News. Read it online HERE.