With the health and wellbeing of children truly at the forefront of primary school’s minds, playground development is key. Julie Pearce, Consultant Play Specialist at Sovereign Play Equipment explains how PTAs can source and purchase the right play equipment.
“Planning for a playground project or enhancing an existing play space for an upgrade can be very time consuming. With almost 10 years’ experience in this industry, believe me, I know!
More and more often, PTA’s are stepping in to support playground developments as school budgets tighten. Taking on the development of a play area can be very daunting if it is your first time. First, let’s take a look at how to choose the right provider and what to look for. Then, let’s explore how you might go about funding the new play space.
Before you get started
A common problem faced in almost all playground projects is the temptation to jump straight into play equipment selection.
Time restraints and deadlines make it all too easy to cast a search online and pick the cheapest facilities. While in essence, this is quick and cost effective, you need to explore the best value, the most suitable equipment and the right provider.
The best play and learning zones are those that have been well thought through – so, before you get started, the first step is to develop a grand plan. This is where a playground supplier comes in. Without this, you’re at risk of undergoing a play equipment installation before you have considered all – and possibly better – options.
Here we cover off some of the key reasons as to why choosing the best play equipment company can help you in achieving an exceptional outdoor space for children of all ages and abilities.
British & European Safety Standards
Recognising the importance of play and risk, the British & European Safety Standards are designed to prevent injury (whilst not being able to prevent all injury necessarily). By having a playground specialist on hand, we can identify risk and design all play provision to meet the strict BSEN 1176 and 1177 standards, to ensure that the playground is designed appropriately for the project and the available space; not just aesthetically, but practically and with consideration of safety. No two spaces are ever identical and with that in mind, no two projects I have ever designed have been identical either.
Designing for maximum play and learning outcomes
Ensure that the play provider is fully understanding of the school’s teaching framework and curriculum, which leads directly on to ‘learning outside the classroom’ and the understanding of ‘zoning’ spaces. The installation of play facilities is so much more than sitting equipment in spaces that fit.
The understanding of a school’s approach and teaching of the children will enhance the designer’s ability to create a space perfect for encouraging learning outside and general well-being, not just play. This could be by creating a zone for physical activity, a creative space for learning and development, an area for role play and fun, or an educational zone for literacy, numeracy and language development, the list is endless and it all contributes to the overall well-being.
Assurance of Quality and Experience
A specialist play provider’s quality of craftsmanship and installation ensures that a play space is built to last. This coupled with the warranties that accompany an installation all makes for a durable and sustainably sourced play space that will last a child’s lifetime. I would always look for a 20-year warranty on timber, with 5 years of product warranty on surfaces and 5 years on playground markings (covering not only the performance of the material, but also the application).
References
Possibly one of the best ways to ensure you are going to be delivered the project you were promised. Do not be afraid to ask for references, any company with a great reputation and proud of their work will have an abundance of references – even if it’s not feasible to visit – call the schools, speak to them about their experience.
Fundraising for play equipment
Once you have done this research and chosen your provider, you may need support in gaining your funding. This advice is abundantly on hand here at Sovereign. Our experienced team can provide you with guidance on fundraising for your playground equipment.
We have worked with hundreds of PTAs to produce detailed designs and costings for external funding bids. These are ideal for use at Summer Fairs and fundraising events to help encourage other parents to raise even more money after they can see exactly what can be achieved for their children. We hold an abundance of ideas of how you could go about fundraising as we see how so many of our PTA’s have done it and we have some great stories to share! If fundraising is not an option for you, then helping find suitable grant funding is also something we can help you with. In fact, we have created a whole guide on the topic of grant funding – simply give us a call, quote PTA magazine and request a copy totally free.
