St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, Mitcham
At St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, meaningful outdoor learning is central to their ethos - particularly within EYFS, where children build essential foundations through play, exploration and discovery.
When Caroline, the EYFS Lead, joined the school, she already understood the value of getting the right partner on board. Having worked with Sam previously, she knew exactly who to call to help unlock the potential of the space. Several providers had previously said a canopy installation wasn’t possible due to the shape of the roof, but with the right thinking and a collaborative approach, we were able to design a solution that worked seamlessly within the existing environment.
The canopy now transforms the Reception and EYFS outdoor area into a true extension of the classroom. With free-flow access across three classrooms forming a key part of the curriculum, it was essential to create a space that could be used every day, in all weathers. The result is a fluid indoor-outdoor environment where children can choose how and where they learn best.
To enhance flexibility, agile fencing and mark-making panels were introduced - allowing the team to shape and reshape the space as needed. This creates opportunities for zoning without restriction, supporting everything from quiet reflection to collaborative, loose parts play that evolves alongside the children.
Thoughtful details, such as blue post protectors, help improve visibility and safety, giving children the confidence to move freely. At the same time, the canopy structure provides shade in the afternoons which has reduced the glare into the classrooms, making indoor learning more comfortable and allowing full use of interactive whiteboards throughout the day, where previously the afternoons had been too bright.
This project was always about more than just structure - it was about supporting the EYFS framework in a meaningful, practical way. The feedback from Caroline and Rachel at the school reflects that. They were particularly impressed with both the quality of the installation and the speed at which the transformation came together.
Located in an area with high levels of deprivation and a large number of children with English as an additional language, the school recognises the importance of creating environments where every child feels at ease. Outdoor spaces naturally offer a less formal, lower-pressure setting, and since the transformation, the team has seen calmer play, increased engagement, and more communication between pupils.
The scale of the outdoor space, while initially a challenge, has become one of the school’s greatest strengths. With the addition of the canopy, it is now a versatile environment that provides shelter in colder months and shade during warmer weather, ensuring it can be used all year round.
Sustainability and creativity were also key considerations. Any offcuts from the installation were left on site, giving children the chance to incorporate them into their play. These materials have already been transformed into a construction and balancing area, encouraging problem-solving, coordination and imaginative thinking. Even leftover guttering has found new life within the messy play area - maximising every opportunity for learning through play.
The result is a space that not only works harder for the school but feels richer, more inclusive and full of possibility for the children who use it every day.
