I want to get the children involved in the planning process, how can you help?
We have put together The Playforce School Design Guide – a definitive guide to planning your space for learning, teaching and play. You can also visit our schemes webpage, where you can see 3D plans of playground schemes. You can print these plans out and use them in classes to get the children talking about their dream playgrounds – whether it is an exciting active timber trail or an imaginative hideout with giant toadstools and musical instruments…
When our School Grounds Consultant meets with you, they will discuss your ideas, listen to your needs and design a plan that is right for you.
Do you know of any grants I can apply for?
There are hundreds of playground funding schemes and awards available, so to help you wade though the mass we have published a funding guide entitled The Playforce School Funding Guide. It contains all the information you need to get your project off the ground, so download your copy today!
How do other schools find funds?
In many ways! We have found that in many cases, playgrounds are funded through a combination of DCF and funds raised by PTA’s and community projects. There is a lot of funding advice available, so the Playforce funding guide has been structured to help you find the right route.
Why aren’t your prices on the website?
Just as every child has different needs, each school and nursery is unique in its requirements. The Playforce customer values recognise and celebrate this; therefore we take a consultative, bespoke approach, to ensure we provide the best possible playground. Prices will always be inclusive of installation and will vary depending on the type of surfacing or ground we are working with.
How safe is your equipment?
All Playforce products comply with the British and European standards EN1176 for Playground Equipment and EN1177 for Impact Absorbing Playground Surfacing.
To be eligible for the Association of Play industries (API) membership it is mandatory that a manufacturer conforms to the above standards. The API is the lead trade body within the play sector and it represents the interests of the manufacturers, installers, designers and distributors of both outdoor and indoor play equipment and safer surfacing.
What this means...
- No protruding or sharp edges
- Only high quality materials and manufacturing techniques are used
- We have minimised the risk of injury
- We ensure that safe play is a significant consideration in our play environment design
Playforce installation staff are fully trained in safe construction techniques and have been applauded time and again for their sensitivity to the needs of the pupils, staff, and school when working on site.
Can I install the equipment myself?
We price for supply and install of all equipment to ensure your new playground is installed to the highest standards and will be safe for your children to play on. Supply only can be quoted if required however.
Are Playforce staff CRB checked?
Yes, all our School Grounds Consultants and installation teams are CRB checked.
Will you need access to the school building?
Not usually. If there is clear, direct access to your play area we can get straight on with your installation and our team will always endeavour to minimise any disruption. However, during playtimes they are always happy to stop and answer any questions your children may have!
How long will the installation take?
Our usual lead-time is between four and six weeks; however, we will always try to accommodate your needs. Installation normally takes one or two days, depending on how much equipment your new playground features.
What are your guarantees?
All Playforce surfacing is supplied with a five year guarantee and all equipment is guaranteed for ten years.
When will I be invoiced for the work?
We usually invoice for payment within 30 days of your playground completion, though we are flexible and will be happy to discuss payment arrangements to suit.
Does your wood need treating?
Playforce timber requires no further treatments as it is pressure treated to protect it against rot and the natural weathering process. Pressure treatment increases timber's fitness for purpose and protects against fungal decay and insect attack. Once impregnated, the timber treatment becomes fixed and does not leach out.
All Playforce softwood timber is Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. The FSC logo allows consumers worldwide to recognise products that support the growth of responsible forestry management.
Machined round timber sections are Play Guard Radiata Softwood. Rectangular sections are Planed All Round (PAR) Softwood. Both types of Playforce timber are quality assured and feature a sanded finish and rounded edges to reduce splintering and create surfaces which are smooth and warm to the touch.
Is the equipment easily damaged by graffiti?
We find graffiti isn’t really an issue as we only use stainless steel which is easily wiped clean. Graffiti on timber can be sanded off with no damage or need to treat the timber, as the pressure treatment process penetrates right through the wood.
Can weeds grow through the safety surfacing?
The All Weather, Recreational and Safer Impact Surfacing is designed to be very easy to maintain, so weeds and grass will not grow through the surfacing. We recommend you check the surface regularly for windborne seedlings that are very easily pulled out by hand.
What if I need replacement parts or repairs in the future?
We will be happy to come and install replacement parts or make repairs if necessary. All you need to do is call our Customer service team free on 01225 792660 to arrange for someone to come and visit you.
How often do I need to inspect my playground?
Head Teachers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their outdoor play environments and we advise you to make provision for routine weekly inspections throughout the year. In addition, we recommend you also carry out a full annual inspection. This should be carried out by an independent inspector qualified by the RPII to inspect playgrounds and certify their conformity to EN1176. At Playforce, health and safety is of paramount importance, so we are delighted to be the onlyplayground equipment company in the UKto offer fully independent RoSPA annual inspections when we install your new playground. There are a number of inspection packages available that our School Grounds Consultants can discuss with you.
Where are you based? Are you local to me?
The Playforce headquarters are in Wiltshire, South West England. However, we are local to almost everyone! We have a team of expert School Grounds Consultants based all across the UK and over 3,000 installations country wide, you can be sure we are working in your area. If you would like one of our team members to come and meet you, please visit our ‘contact us’ page, or call; 01225 792660.
Have you done work near me?
Yes! We have designed and installed over 3,000 playgrounds for schools, nurseries, parish councils and park environments across the length and breadth of the UK. To see a Playforce playground near you, visit our case studies page and search using the postcode facility.