Create the best learning environments at your school with children’s outdoor furniture
Many factors contribute to the successful learning and development of children in educational settings, with an effective outdoor learning environment being front and centre. A well-designed outdoor space is crucial for creating conditions that allow students to truly thrive. By having the right pieces of outdoor furniture, schools can enhance engagement, promote physical activity, and build inclusive settings that cater to diverse learning needs.
Benefits of using outdoor furniture in schools
Incorporating kids’ outdoor furniture into school settings offers numerous advantages. Outdoor environments can improve student engagement and learning outcomes by providing fresh, stimulating settings. Additionally, such furniture encourages physical activity, contributing to healthier lifestyles. As an added benefit, it also fosters inclusivity by creating welcoming spaces that accommodate various needs and abilities. The versatility of children’s outdoor furniture means it can be used for a range of purposes, from teaching and socialising to eating and playing.
So, what are the key features of quality children’s outdoor furniture?
When it comes to selecting kids’ outdoor furniture, durability, safety, comfort, and aesthetics are four crucial factors to consider.
Durability: Select weather-resistant and sturdy materials to ensure the furniture withstands frequent use and the elements.
Safety: Safety is paramount, so ensure the furniture has no sharp edges or small parts that could be hazardous.
Comfort & design: Ergonomic designs are important for supporting children’s physical well-being, while attractive designs can capture their interest and encourage engagement with the furniture.
Types of outdoor furniture for children
Felton offers a diverse range of high-quality outdoor classroom furniture. Kids outdoor table and chairs are perfect for group activities, meals, and interactive learning. One such seating solution is the Snack ‘n’ Study bench and table set. Popular in secondary schools and senior areas, it fits up to 8 people and is ideal to study, chat or use as a dining set.
Kids outdoor bench seating provides a great space for relaxation, social interaction, and outdoor reading. Another popular aluminium outdoor table and chair setting built for multi-use in particular outdoor study is the Lunch ‘n’ Learn outdoor setting which offers a great environment for studying. This aluminium outdoor table and bench is easy to clean and is suited for all outdoor dining areas, creating a dual function outdoor space easily and efficiently.
For educational environments searching for larger-scale seating solutions, Felton also offers outdoor classroom packages to cater to the needs of schools, big and small. The 4-Sided Pedestal Park Setting is perfect for creating a colourful stimulating outdoor learning environment and encourages face-to-face interaction with its space-saving compact units. It is a big favourite with schools due to its appearance and practical nature. Due to its size, it is easy to create an outdoor classroom or any outdoor space whether it be small or large.
How to choose the right outdoor furniture for your school
Firstly, assess the size of your outdoor space to ensure the furniture fits comfortably and serves its intended purpose. Consider the types of activities that will take place to select appropriate furniture types and configurations. Opt for weather-resistant and easy-to-maintain materials to handle outdoor conditions. It is also essential to ensure the furniture is comfortable and safe for children of all ages.
Designing outdoor learning spaces
Designing effective outdoor learning spaces involves thoughtful arrangements of furniture. Distinct learning zones can be created by arranging furniture to support group discussions or quiet reading. Schools can also integrate the furniture into different outdoor settings, like gardens or playgrounds to increase the use of these underutilised areas.
Maintenance and care
Maintaining outdoor furniture is crucial for extending its lifespan. Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt and grime build-up while following seasonal care guidelines protects the furniture from harsh weather conditions. Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and continued usability of your outdoor investments.
Involving the school community
When choosing furniture for your school or educational facility, gathering feedback from key stakeholders—such as teachers, students, parents, and the wider community—can be highly advantageous. Involving these groups ensures that the selected furniture is suitable for the environment, meets specific needs, serves its intended purpose, and creates harmony with the school’s branding and overall aesthetic. This collaborative approach helps guarantee that the furniture integrates seamlessly into both the school setting and the surrounding community.
How Felton can help
Investing in high-quality kids’ outdoor furniture can significantly enhance your school’s learning environments, making them more engaging and inclusive.
At Felton Industries we think about inclusion when designing our outdoor seating. For schools, we have the Interactive Wheelchair Setting, Standard Wheelchair Setting & Access Wheelchair Setting available to create inviting spaces for all members of the school community. Every aluminium outdoor setting has easy access and is available with coloured safety end caps to assist visually impaired students understand outdoor areas.
All our aluminium tables and chairs are 100% Australian made. This makes our furniture well-suited to Australia’s unique climate conditions and ensures safety and comfort are our number one priority. Our benches have 20% more aluminium for extra strength for all outdoor spaces.
At Felton Industries we are proud to support outdoor learning in our schools with our practical designs and the highest quality of products and services. Whether you are dealing with grant funding, limited space, or the challenge of configuring seating to best work with your outdoor spaces, our expert sales team is here to help.
Contact us today at 1800 834 016 to find out how we can deliver the perfect outdoor learning environment for your school.