Back

Cherry Lane School (West Drayton) – Bespoke Outdoor Shading & Classroom Cooling Solutions

Creating Safe, Shaded Spaces for Learning & Play

Cherry Lane School in West Drayton, Greater London, recognised the challenge of providing comfortable outdoor learning and play areas for students - regardless of weather. Faced with the need for all‑weather protection and improved classroom comfort, the school sought a tailored shading solution that would deliver on performance, safety and usability.

As part of its commitment to student well‑being and its duty of care, the school required a solution that allowed outdoor learning spaces to be used year‑round while reducing solar heat gain indoors and enhancing flexibility in teaching environments.

The Challenge

The outdoor play area lacked effective cover, meaning lessons and activities were frequently disrupted by weather changes.
Classroom windows faced direct sunlight, increasing internal temperatures and causing glare - reducing focus and productivity.
The school needed a shading system that met educational safety standards (including monitoring and compliance when it comes to children’s outdoor areas).
With eligibility for grant funding for school shading projects growing across Southern England, the school wanted a partner who could navigate both the design and funding aspects of the project.

The Solution

Working with the school, our team delivered a complete turnkey package - from initial survey and design to installation and aftercare. The chosen system: a custom SunRain structural awning system, designed specifically for educational environments.

Key features included:

A fully retractable roof system covering 224m², enabling both indoor‑outdoor flow and outdoor learning in all weather.
Aluminium frame and powder‑coated finishes customised to match the school’s aesthetics, with bright fabric louvres that blend seamlessly into the environment.
External installation over ground‑floor classroom doors to improve ventilation and encourage the use of outdoor teaching space.
Reduced solar heat gain into classrooms, improved teaching conditions and technology protection (whiteboards, projectors).
Guidance to help the school explore relevant funding and grants for outdoor learning shelters and classroom cooling solutions.

The Results

The school now enjoys an expansive outdoor learning zone, used during lessons, play‑times, and after‑school activities - regardless of rain or shine.
Indoor classroom environments are cooler and more comfortable, supporting better concentration and safeguarding technology from overheating.
Cherry Lane School demonstrated a strong commitment to student welfare and educational best practice by creating safe, flexible outdoor learning environments - reinforcing its duty of care.
By leveraging shading and shelter solutions aligned with grant‑funding eligibility, the project provided long‑term value without compromising the school’s budget.

“It was necessary to offer an outside learning space for the children, the Broadview undercover solution has meant regardless to poor or hot weather children, teachers and parents are fully protected and the school is delighted with the results.”
- Carl Nielsen, school Governor of Cherry Lane School

Why School Shading Solutions Matter

For schools across Southern England, the challenges of solar glare, overheating classrooms and under‑used outdoor spaces are increasingly common. Effective shading systems - including fixed canopies, retractable awnings, pergolas and classroom blinds - help schools to:

Fulfil their health & safety and duty of care responsibilities
Access grant funding for school shading and outdoor learning
Create dynamic outdoor learning and recreational environments
Lower energy use by reducing indoor heat gain and reliance on air‑conditioning

Full Turnkey Service for Schools

At Broadview, we specialise in end‑to‑end solutions built for education settings:

Free site surveys and expert design advice tailored to your school’s unique layout.
Made‑to‑measure installations including school canopies, outdoor shelters, pergolas, awnings and classroom blinds.
Professional installation, including groundworks and compliance with school safety standards.
Ongoing support, maintenance and guidance to help you keep your environment safe, comfortable and operational.

Contact us today to book your free consultation and discover how your school can benefit from classroom cooling, outdoor learning shelters and shading solutions that work - and qualify for funding opportunities.

Get help with your project

If you'd like a member of our team to give you a call to talk through your requirements just contact us and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.

Enquire