Teach Secondary Issue 14.7

A place to gather, unwind and connect Why are so many schools installing all-weather outdoor dining spaces? In schools across the UK, forgotten corners and empty courtyards are being reimagined as vibrant outdoor dining zones – places where students can gather, unwind and connect. So much more than a solution to cramped indoor facilities, these all-weather dining spaces breathe new life into a school, turning underused areas into dynamic social spaces that enhance school culture. What are the biggest benefits of creating year-round outdoor dining spaces? Outdoor dining areas instantly upgrade your school’s offering, easing indoor crowding, encouraging fresh-air breaks, and transforming the school day. Rain or shine, students can dine and socialise comfortably, and these versatile, covered spaces also double up as ideal venues for everything from school fêtes to careers fairs. It’s not just shelter – it’s a smarter way to use space. What do schools need to think about when installing a hybrid indoor / outdoor dining space? Because we’re Brits, we tend to focus on rain, sleet and snow when we think about weather protection, but sunshine matters ABOUT STEPHEN: Stephen Toone is Managing Director at Fordingbridge Contact: T: 01243 55 44 55 E: info@ fordingbridge. co.uk W: fordingbridge. co.uk What’s the difference? + Bring your vision to life with a complimentary site visit and expert, tailored advice + Enjoy a seamless experience, from design to installation – handled entirely by our in-house team + Every Fordingbridge education canopy comes with a sector-leading 25-year guarantee as standard. 30 SECOND BRIEFING Fordingbridge is the UK’s leading provider of all-weather solutions for the education sector, designing and installing off-the-shelf and bespoke canopy solutions for outdoor learning and dining areas, social spaces, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), walkways and bike storage. Q&A Stephen Toone discusses the options for schools looking to make the most of their outdoor spaces too. Our excusive Opal 60 canopy fabric filters harmful UV rays, while still letting in 60% natural light. The result? A bright, uplifting dining space that’s protective, flooded with light and offers students the benefits of being outside, no matter the forecast. What other design considerations do you advise schools to consider? Dining canopies make a visual impact, so why not make them beautiful too? Whether your site suits sleek steel or natural timber, or a blend of both, our in-house design team can tailor your new all-weather dining canopy to suit its setting, including colour matching the structure to your school’s branding. For windier locations, we can even fully enclose your new dining space in toughened glass, to create a cosy, sheltered environment. To maximise the value of your space, think experience , as well as function . Spacious layouts, thoughtfully placed tables and extras like table tennis tables can transform your new dining space into a true social hub that encourages interaction, relaxation and a real sense of community. An all-weather canopy can create valuable additional dining and social space for students PA R T N E R C O N T E N T 18 teachwire.net/secondary Extras like table tennis tables and social seating can create a vibrant hub in your school