Outdoor equipment storage
Timber stores for playground and learning equipment, with door positions, accessible shelving and practical internal layouts considered from the start.
Derby schools · Outdoor structures · OPAL projects
Outdoor spaces. Built for Derby schools.
Based in Colwick, we build bespoke timber structures for school grounds in Derby. From outdoor equipment stores and mud kitchens to shelters, seating, stages and practical repairs — planned around your school's needs.
Based in Colwick, Nottingham · Undertaking school projects in Derby
DBS checkedAll employees
£2m insuredPublic liability cover
RAMS suppliedProject safety documentation
Site-ready teamCSCS · SMSTS · NEBOSH
Derby school projects
Made to fit the site. And the school day.
An outdoor structure works best when it solves a real problem for the staff and children using it.
For Derby schools, we discuss practical details such as access for deliveries, the available footprint, existing surfaces and how equipment will be taken out and put away. A storage building may need wide doors or separate compartments; an outdoor shelter may need to work around existing paths or play spaces.
We undertake individual timber installations, improvements and repairs for primary schools, academies and trusts. The work can support a school's OPAL plans or a separate programme of outdoor improvements.
Timberwork for Derby school grounds
Useful structures. Planned around your space.
One bespoke item or a coordinated group of improvements, with dimensions and construction agreed for the actual site rather than chosen from a fixed catalogue.
Storage for everyday play resources
Organised spaces for crates, activity materials and other equipment, helping school teams retrieve and return items more easily at breaktime.
Mud kitchens & creative areas
Bespoke timber counters, preparation surfaces and storage features built around the available outdoor space and the school's intended use.
Shelters & outdoor learning spaces
Covered timber structures and seating for outdoor lessons, small-group activities and quieter areas, subject to appropriate design and site requirements.
Stages, benches & seating
Practical timber platforms, gathering areas, reading corners and seating arrangements sized to fit the space and activities.
Repairs, alterations & replacement
Replacement doors, timber cladding, storage repairs and improvements to existing school outdoor structures where their condition permits.
Real work by Tobias Young
School equipment storage. A completed example.
These photographs show a timber storage building we have built for a school, with multiple doors and accessible internal spaces. They illustrate the sort of practical joinery we can discuss for a Derby school.
Photographs show an actual completed Tobias Young school project. They are not described as a project in Derby or as an OPAL-endorsed installation.
Supporting school improvements
Facilities for Derby schools developing OPAL.
OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) is a school improvement programme concerned with the quality of playtime. Schools implementing their plans may need additional storage or practical timber features to help make the outdoor space work.
We focus on the construction: a store for play equipment, a mud kitchen, a sheltered meeting area, benches or a bespoke feature agreed with the school. We can also discuss similar work for schools that do not use OPAL.
We are an independent joinery contractor. We are not an OPAL programme provider, partner or accredited supplier, and we do not deliver the OPAL programme itself.
Our East Midlands school structures serviceSafety · Safeguarding · Site delivery
Prepared for working on school sites.
We understand that working in school environments requires careful planning, clear communication and a professional approach to health, safety and safeguarding.
For Derby projects, we discuss access, delivery arrangements and the school's operational requirements before work starts. RAMS, COSHH and relevant supporting safety documentation are supplied as part of the project.
Our qualifications, insurance and site management arrangements
- All employees DBS checked (Disclosure and Barring Service)
- CSCS card holders
- NVQ-qualified carpentry
- SMSTS and NEBOSH construction health and safety qualifications
- £2 million public liability insurance
- RAMS, COSHH and relevant supporting site safety documentation supplied as part of the project
- Work planned around school operations, safeguarding requirements and site access arrangements
How a Derby school project starts
From the first enquiry to a practical plan.
Tell us about your site
Share the school location, intended structure, approximate size and any useful photographs or specification.
Review access and layout
We discuss the ground, footprint, delivery access, daily movement around the school and any relevant design considerations.
Agree scope and documents
Confirm materials, details, quotation and site arrangements, including RAMS, COSHH and the applicable supporting documentation.
Build and hand over
Complete the agreed timberwork in line with school access arrangements and review the finished installation with the school.
School projects in Derby
Based in Colwick. Working in Derby.
We are based in Colwick, Nottingham, and undertake bespoke school outdoor timber projects in Derby. Contact us with the school location so we can confirm coverage and plan suitable site access.
Our base is in Nottinghamshire, not Derby. We assess each Derby enquiry individually, considering travel, the practical scope and site requirements before agreeing the work.
For projects across our wider working area, see the East Midlands Schools & OPAL page .
Derby school enquiries
Planning details worth knowing.
Can you build a storage unit to fit a particular playground area?
Yes. We can discuss the available footprint, door access, shelving and internal storage around the way staff use the space. We are not restricted to one standard unit size.
Can you assess an existing store that needs repair?
Yes. Send photographs and a description of the issues. We can discuss whether repairs, altered doors or replacement timberwork are appropriate for the structure's condition.
Do you travel to school sites in Derby?
Yes, we consider school timber projects in Derby from our Colwick base. Please provide the location and a brief project outline so we can confirm the practical arrangements.
Do you only work on OPAL-related projects?
No. We build outdoor timber structures for schools whether or not they use the OPAL programme.
What documentation and safeguarding arrangements do you provide?
All employees are DBS checked. RAMS, COSHH and relevant supporting site safety documents are supplied as part of the project, and we work to the school's safeguarding and site-access arrangements.
Can you build structures for active-play areas?
We can discuss bespoke timber structures for active-play areas. Each project is considered individually, taking into account its intended use, appropriate design, safety requirements and any necessary inspections before work is agreed.
Derby school enquiries
Thinking about a timber project for your school?
Tell us which Derby school or site you're enquiring about, what you want to build or repair, and any sizes or photos you have. We can discuss the options and provide a quotation once the requirements are clear.