Outdoor equipment & equipment storage
Secure timber stores, accessible shelving and practical storage arrangements for outdoor learning and play resources.
Schools · Outdoor learning · OPAL projects
Outdoor spaces. Built for better play.
Bespoke timber structures for schools across the East Midlands. From purpose-built outdoor storage for play equipment to mud kitchens, shelters, stages, seating and outdoor learning spaces.
Based in Colwick, Nottingham · Working across the East Midlands
DBS checkedAll employees
£2m insuredPublic liability cover
RAMS suppliedProject safety documentation
Site-ready teamCSCS · SMSTS · NEBOSH
Built around your school
Practical timberwork. Space to imagine.
Great outdoor areas need more than equipment. They need places to store, organise, gather, explore and create.
We build bespoke timber structures for primary schools, academies and school trusts, with the details planned around how each space is used, what it needs to accommodate and how it will be maintained.
Whether your school is developing an OPAL-inspired play environment or simply improving its outdoor facilities, we can discuss a one-off structure or a wider package of timberwork.
What we build
Outdoor structures with a purpose.
Individual items or coordinated projects, designed around your school's site, requirements and intended use.
Mud kitchens & messy-play areas
Purpose-built timber counters, preparation spaces and supporting features for imaginative and sensory play.
Shelters & outdoor classrooms
Covered timber spaces for learning, group activities, socialising or a sheltered place to pause.
Stages & performance areas
Bespoke timber stages and platforms for assemblies, creative activities and outdoor performances.
Seating & quieter spaces
Benches, timber seating, reading corners and practical furniture tailored to an outdoor setting.
Custom structures & repairs
Other school timber projects, modifications and repairs, scoped to suit the site and safety requirements.
Real completed work
School storage. Built to last.
One of our completed school timber projects: an outdoor storage structure with multiple secure doors and practical internal space.
Photographs show actual completed work by Tobias Young Joinery & Maintenance, not stock imagery. This is an example of school storage; it is not presented as an officially endorsed OPAL installation.
Supporting outdoor play
Designed for schools developing OPAL.
The OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Primary Programme supports schools in improving the quality of playtime, including creative play using moveable materials such as crates, tyres, fabric and wider use of outdoor environments.
We can build the supporting timber facilities that schools may need while developing their own plans — from storage for outdoor play equipment to mud kitchens, shelters, seating and other agreed structures.
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.
Learn about the official OPAL programmeSafety · Safeguarding · Site delivery
A professional approach to school projects.
We understand that working in school environments requires careful planning, clear communication and a professional approach to health, safety and safeguarding.
We work closely with schools to plan projects safely, minimise disruption and deliver practical, well-built timber structures suited to their requirements.
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
Our working approach
From the first idea to the finished structure.
Discuss the space
Tell us about your site, goals and the structures you have in mind.
Review the details
Consider sizes, access, materials, location and any design or inspection requirements specific to the proposed use.
Plan the work
Agree scope, pricing, site arrangements and relevant safety documentation before starting.
Build & hand over
Complete the agreed timberwork and review the finished installation with the school.
Where we work
Schools across the East Midlands.
Based in Colwick, Nottingham, we undertake school timber and outdoor-structure projects throughout our working area, including Nottinghamshire and parts of Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.
Tell us where your school is located and what you are planning. We'll confirm whether the project falls within our service area.
For school projects in Nottingham, see our Nottingham school outdoor structures service .
For school projects in Derby, see our Derby school outdoor structures service .
Frequently asked questions
Questions from schools and trusts.
Can you build storage for outdoor play equipment?
Yes. We can build secure and accessible timber storage to suit the equipment, available space and intended use, including schools developing their OPAL facilities.
Do you work with schools that are not using OPAL?
Yes. We undertake bespoke outdoor timber projects for schools regardless of whether they participate in the OPAL programme.
Are your employees DBS checked?
Yes. All employees are DBS checked. We also work to each school's site access and safeguarding arrangements.
Do you supply RAMS and other site safety documents?
Yes. RAMS, COSHH and relevant supporting site safety documentation are supplied as part of the project.
Can you make climbing and active-play structures?
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.
Start a conversation
Planning a school outdoor project?
Tell us about your school, the outdoor area and the facilities you want to create. We can discuss the scope and provide a quotation for the proposed timberwork.