Though the goals and objectives of the school are an essential part of its ethos, so too is the right physical setting. The school exterior is the first thing people see when they approach the facility; how it looks will influence people’s perception, so the right balance must be struck.
When the fencing is specified appropriately, it elevates the school’s aesthetic, as it appears smart, and well-maintained and gives a sense of security, demonstrating the quality of standards and care. In contrast, damaged fencing is not only unsightly but also poses a health and safety risk if it contains sharp wires or loose components that could cause injury.
Moving with the times
Originally, Chesterton Primary School’s perimeter was built from a variety of chain link fencing, timber feather board fencing, and hedging. Despite the timber fencing and hedging providing privacy around the perimeter, both needed replacing to ensure the grounds were secure enough to protect from potential intruders.
Additionally, the feather board fencing was in a state of disrepair, creating a security risk and a safety hazard for the students. The hedge, while adding a pleasing natural element to the school boundary, not only increased maintenance as it needed to be trimmed multiple times a year but it did not provide adequate security either. Hedges are an attractive place for wildlife to congregate, however, the droppings can create a health risk.
Perimeter fencing and security
Fencing that can withstand vandalism, climbing, and subsequent theft should be installed to avoid any interference
Historically, chain link fencing has been a popular choice for schools, but it is recommended that this is avoided as it’s not robust enough to protect schools, with their modern-day equipment and technology; computers, laptops, and sports equipment at risk of theft.
Instead, fencing that can withstand vandalism, climbing, and subsequent theft should be installed to avoid any interference with the pupils’ education and welfare. Robust perimeter fencing and security were considered essential in this case.
Finding the right balance
Working together, Jacksons Fencing and Chesterton Primary School agreed that a fencing solution that balanced low and high visibility was required to provide maximum safeguarding and security without compromising on aesthetics and longevity.
For this reason, 187.5m of low visibility privacy fencing was installed, and Jacksons’ EuroGuard® Combi fencing, with its unique timber and steel combination design, was specified for the perimeter of the grounds around the playground areas. The Galfan® zinc alloy coated steel V mesh panels have strong, pressure-treated timber slats threaded into the panel to endure any tampering and stand the test of time.
EuroGuard® Flatform fencing
The total height of the fence installed is 3m, with timber covering 2m of the height. Keeping the timber to 2m high ensures that the fence does not create a hostile environment and allows enough light to enter the playground and classrooms whilst providing concealment and preventing litter and other items from being handed through the fence.
Around the school entrance, EuroGuard® Flatform fencing was installed to enable a clear line of visibility from the school office to ensure staff can easily monitor who is coming and going, as well as any external risks. With a twin wire construction and installed at 3m high, this form of fencing is robust and cost-effective.
Durability and sustainability
Adding a layer of protection, the powder coating ensures the fencing and gates solutions can avoid rust
Additionally, two pedestrian gates were installed at 2.5m wide, and one 3.7m wide vehicular gate was installed for staff parking, emergency services, and maintenance access.
To blend with the school’s aesthetic, the steel was powder-coated white, providing a clean and neutral background for the school playground, and allowing the colourful play equipment and planting to become focal points. Also adding a layer of protection, the powder coating ensures the fencing and gates solutions can stand the test of time by avoiding rust and increasing durability and sustainability.
Safe and secure surroundings
Peter Jackson, Jacksons Fencing Managing Director, comments, “We are delighted to have assisted Chesterton Primary School to create safe and secure surroundings for students and staff."
He adds, "As crimes committed against schools are sadly on the rise, with many becoming victims of vandalism, trespassing, or theft I hope that these robust security solutions will help provide the level of protection needed while also ensuring that the aesthetic remains welcoming for those who use the school and its facilities.”
Robust security solutions
Peter Jackson continues, “Working alongside the team at Chesterton Primary School ensured adequate robust solutions were installed to make the students and staff feel secure as they use its facilities. We are extremely confident in our products, and we hope the students can continue to learn and develop in a safer environment.”
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