All of our play equipment and safer surfacing is built and installed in accordance with the relevant European Standards, EN1176 – equipment, EN1176 & 1177 – surfacing.
Disabilty
Playgrounds for Schools recognise that under the Act providers of playgrounds used by the public have a duty to provide inclusive play environments that allows able and disabled people to take responsibility for themselves alongside each other.
The Act defines disability as ‘a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on an individual’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities’.
Whilst the Act does not require manufacturers and designers to make changes to their products, as a responsible manufacturer, Playgrounds for Schools have been providing a range of accessible equipment for many years and will continue to manufacture and supply a range of play equipment that is accessible to all children.
The actual design of a fully inclusive and accessible playground will vary according to the specifications and budgets of the provider. However, Playgrounds for Schools has implemented the following check list for good design:
- Is there a range of components for all children of different ages and abilities?
- Is there sufficient challenge to encourage children to return time after time?
- Is there a mixture of sliding, rocking, climbing, rotating, balancing and swinging activities?
- Are there opportunities for both lone and group play?
- Are there elements which encourage imaginative play?
- Is there provision for non-participants (children and adults)?
- Do the surfaces aid accessibility with no unnecessary obstacles?
- Are there opportunities for those who are wheelchair bound?
- Are there easy and logical routes to all play equipment?
- Does the equipment and the layout encourage inclusive play?
Playgrounds for Schools is happy to provide advise on achieving an inclusive play area.
Environment
Playgrounds for Schools has implemented policies that reflect the company’s concern for the quality of the environment and the need to conserve the finite resources of the planet. These policies seek to establish a rational balance between short term economic factors and longer term environmental issues.
Playgrounds for Schools will be implementing further policies aimed at a continual improvement of environmental recommendations.
Training and Development
Staff and operatives receive training on environmental issues to help to foster a sense of responsibility for the environment at all levels. In this way Playgrounds for Schools can contribute to a sustainable, healthy and balanced environment.
Policy
Playgrounds for Schools aims to design and construct children’s playgrounds to minimise their impact on the environment. The outcome of this is generally to be observed in limiting waste (including energy) and using recycled products wherever feasible.
How can you help?
The cost and environmental impact of taking spoil off site is significant. You can make a substantial difference to both the cost of your project and the environment by finding somewhere in your grounds to leave excess spoil. Consider making a feature out of it – a low grassed mound, perhaps?
Review and Responsibilities
- The Managing Director will be responsible for all environmental policy and practice matters
- The company will work towards accreditation to ISO 14001 or EMAS
- An annual environmental audit will take place
- An annual review will be prepared to assess the progress against the environmental management improvement plan and a report prepared.