The Vineyard School, Richmond
The Vineyard School in Richmond is a mixed community school and a valued returning customer of Phoenix Play. The area selected for development was previously an underused space that offered little value to the school day. The aim was to transform it into a generous, sheltered zone that would support free flow access straight from classrooms and main access routes, whatever the weather.
The project was led by the school’s proactive PTA, who were keen to create a long-lasting feature with real impact for the whole school community. Our Outdoor Learning Consultant, Mark, worked closely with the school on site, carefully mapping out the position of each post using cones to ensure access routes remained clear and the space worked seamlessly with daily routines. The canopy was designed to sit snugly against the school building, maximising weather protection and creating a reliable, all year outdoor space.
A Play Carpet pathway was introduced to connect all access points, with inviting pockets of space for children to sit, play and learn along the way. The area beneath the canopy was deliberately left open to provide flexibility, allowing it to adapt easily to different activities throughout the day. To make the most of every square metre, a Large Store was positioned just outside the canopy footprint, giving children easy access to self select resources without compromising covered space.
The design supports key areas of learning including social interaction, communication and language, while also creating a calm, welcoming hub within the playground. Since completion, Micha from the site team has commented on just how much usable sheltered space the project has created, and how much it is already being enjoyed.
The project was fully funded by the PTA, with Kat Parr Mackintosh playing a pivotal role throughout. Her ongoing communication and detailed knowledge of the space helped us shape a solution that truly meets the needs of the school and delivers that all important wow factor.
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