What challenges face care home managers and how can the creation of an outdoor covered area help with these?

Care home managers often face the challenge of providing suitable outdoor area which the residents can access in all weather. Residents should be allowed the freedom to access outdoor areas at any time and in all weather but often this is a problem as many outdoor areas are not accessible for a number of reasons.

Covered outdoor areas in care homes not only provide a quiet tranquil setting for residents but can also become a feature in the grounds where regular activities can be carried out.

Can you construct a covered school waiting area for parents?

We have installed a number of canopies which are used as waiting areas for parents. The use of these areas can also be doubled up to create an outdoor covered area for the children to benefit from during play times. Projects such as parent waiting areas can be funded or part funded by the walk to school scheme.

What specific steps do you take regarding child safety during school canopy use?

During school canopy use the following steps are taken regarding child safety:

a) Little or no moving parts
b) Post protectors (optional)
c)Meets BS standard for snow and wind loading
d) Integral gutter so that water doesn't cascade off sides of canopy
e) Foundations mean that base plates and bolt heads are below ground to stop potential tripping hazard
f) Fire retardant

What specific steps do you take regarding child safety during school canopy construction?

During canopy construction the following steps are taken regarding child safety:

a) Area where construction is taking place is cordoned/fenced off
b) Ground is made good on foundations around the legs/supports
c) After installation a 20 point safety check is carried out
d) Site left clean and tidy
e) Correct PPE worn by site staff to make sure they are visible

Is an outdoor school canopy warm enough for British winters?

School canopies can be enhanced by adding a choice of side walls from our range of optional extras. Side walls for the canopies allow the possibility to potentially completely enclose the canopy which in effect can be used as an additional classroom. This can be done either temporarily or permanently by deciding on which style of side wall is required - curtain side wall for temporary enclosure and UPVC glazing for permanent enclosure. Our canopies can have side walls added at a later date if required.

How to protect against fading on outdoor canopies?

To reduce the chance of any fading and to get the canopies maximum life expectancy we recommend cleaning them once a year - this involves wiping over the frame/roof and making sure dirt/debris is cleared from the gutter/drainage points.

Do I2O offer help with planning?

Should the structure require planning permission, we are happy to help with the application and oversee the process. We can also supply technical drawings of the project, as well as super-imposed "artists impression" photograph if required.