Tomorrow's schools should have a pleasant external environment designed with the full range of users in mind. Welcoming surroundings have a positive effect on the experience of the school’s regular users as well as attracting community and business users to the school premises.
External spaces should be an integral part of the design. Proper planning and landscaping of these spaces is important not just for aesthetic reasons but also because parts of the curriculum including, of course, sport, can be delivered in school grounds at both primary and secondary level (see Building Bulletins 71, 82, 85 and 94).
Access routes, car parking and other such areas are considered in Section 2C.2.

Outside learning spaces
Outside space can provide a stimulating alternative learning environment for all ages, and is an important part of broadening the educational experience. For the under fives, physical experience is a valuable component of learning. Being involved with the upkeep of the grounds can be part of a learning experience.