Outdoor classrooms and modular classrooms for schools

Define the learning space

Tell us the age range, intended activities and maximum number of learners and staff. Explain whether this is a full-time teaching room, a small-group space or a sheltered setting for outdoor learning.

An enclosed classroom and an open outdoor teaching shelter are different briefs. Make that distinction at the start so the proposal addresses the space you actually need.

Include specialist needs that affect the layout, such as space for mobility equipment or a quieter area within the room.

Draw the teaching arrangements

Plan the room with tables, chairs and storage in use. Include room for the teacher to move and clear routes between activities.

Think about where teaching displays and screens will sit. Window positions should be considered alongside visibility, glare and useful wall space.

Resources need a home too. Storage that can be reached without disrupting a lesson can make the room easier to use throughout the day.

Establish the required performance

Give us the school or setting's specification before choosing a building. Requirements for acoustics, ventilation, lighting and thermal comfort need project-specific consideration.

The Department for Education publishes design and premises guidance covering these subjects. Your responsible project team should identify what applies to the setting; a standard garden-room package is not evidence that those requirements have been met.

Confirm responsibilities for design review, approvals and supporting documentation as part of the proposed scope.

Make access part of the school-day plan

Consider how pupils and staff will reach the room from the main building. Include the route in wet weather, any level changes and the arrangements for supervision.

Discuss visibility and privacy with the setting. The right glazing arrangement for teaching may differ from one chosen simply for an attractive exterior.

Any toilets, handwashing facilities or specialist sinks need identifying at the outset, including whether existing facilities will serve the new space.

Plan installation around an occupied site

Share access restrictions, safeguarding arrangements and the site's working hours. Identify routes used by pupils and the areas that must remain available during work.

A school holiday may be a preferred installation window, but it is not a delivery promise. Agree the programme after the design, site preparation, access and approvals are understood.

Agree what the project includes

The quotation should distinguish the building from groundworks, service connections and teaching equipment. List data connections, powered equipment and any specialist facilities in the brief.

Connection to the site's electricity supply is included only if expressly stated in the quotation. Do not assume a domestic electrical package covers the requirements of a teaching space.

Check planning and building-control requirements with the appropriate authorities before committing to the project. Our Planning Permission guide is an introductory resource.