Your school can save money on water bills
As the final weeks of the academic year ebb away, the notion of a summer holiday will have already planted itself firmly into the conscious of staff and students alike. Students carry the stress of end of year exams, but tucked away in the engine rooms, the balancing of yearly budgets is a stress that, unlike exams, never ceases. The procurement of new contracts and delegation of utility responsibilities to expert consultancies is an easy way to eradicate future stress and unlock hidden pockets of time, allowing you to focus on doing what you do best. The water market is wide open, let’s capitalise Companies often look to control their energy costs, but there is one utility that has previously been overlooked, and that’s water. Just over two years ago the non-domestic water market deregulated, which meant organisations such as schools could switch water suppliers, much like they already could with energy suppliers. The competition has driven prices down and improved customer service, and you can now shop around for the cheapest contracts with the best service. This can offset financial struggles in the education sector, such as funding cuts and reduced supply staff budgets. Save money and put your feet up this summer Not only can you save money through managing your water bills more carefully, you can also save time, as utilities consultancies such as ESS Utility can do the work for you. This work includes a full 360° water management service, detailed below. Procurement ESS Utility can procure and negotiate the most competitive prices for your water contacts, as industry experts monitor the market on your behalf. Water audits With the best contracts locked in, site surveys, collection, cleaning and consolidation of data, bill validation, verification of complex water associated charges and recovery of resulting overpayments are just some of the elements that make up a comprehensive water audit. Schools themselves often lack the necessary resources to identify, let alone rectify, such issues. Water efficiency strategy 3 billion litres of water are lost in the UK each day due to leaks. Fortunately, ESS Utility can create a consumption profile to help identify areas for cutbacks, as well as working with leading hygiene services provider PHS Groupto install low-flow devices that use electronic sensors and adjustable mechanisms to save water in taps, toilets and urinals. Find out more
Getting Cosy in the Great Outdoors
Learning in the great outdoors, we know, is a great benefit to children – but it is sometimes easier said than done. Creating that outdoor space which provides both freedom to play and opportunities to learn can be a tricky task. The space needs to feel natural yet flow, give children options to choose what they do and still provide that element of awe, wonder and risk – that’s no mean feat. Fear not! Here at Cosy we understand what it takes to make an outdoor space special – having spent many an hour working with schools, nurseries, practitioners and trainers -working out what works, we can guide you to the resources which support an outdoor learning environment. No matter what space you have available outside we can help you to make the most of it and provide children with natural resources which enhance their experiences and encourage curiosity and exploration. Our sheds, shelters and playhouses are all made from natural materials and are fully treated – they are the perfect solution to provide specific areas or zones which encourage learning in the areas you require – why not take a seat, choose and book and share a story with a friend in our Outdoor Reading Corner. If you’re looking for something a little more compact then our Shedlets enable you to create outdoor themed areas where children can self-select resources. Choose how you fill them up and change the themes/contents to suit your topics and provide children with multiple learning opportunities. Let’s not forget the importance of physical development and keeping children active. Climbing, carrying, balancing and risk taking are all crucial for a child’s physical and mental development and there’s no need to blow the budget. This Loose Parts Obstacle Course allows children to build their own trim trail – the joy of building the course is as much fun as using it – and children can develop new configurations every day! Putting the great into the great outdoors is what we try and do here at Cosy. We strive to use sustainable materials to create resources that complement the natural environment. We know budgets are tight and our key aim to ensure children have the access they deserve to resources that enhance their learning and their lives and that don’t cost the earth (in more ways than one!). Find all our resources at www.cosydirect.com.
Genee: Future proofing classrooms
Genee is a leading manufacturer of touchscreen technology and interactive software solutions; delivering a range of interactive multi-touch touchscreen displays, touch tables, and visualisers, with a range of software to enhance teaching, training and presentations within the education sector. Our expertise in the professional AV industry enables us to have an in-depth understanding of varied client requirements, and we provide unique solutions designed to make life easier and enhance teaching experiences for both teachers and students. We have a keen focus on interoperability and connectivity to enable our technology to be seamlessly integrated into any environment. Genee recognises the significance of effective software, so we have incorporated exciting software that has significant learning benefits. Genee Project Flow offers automated differentiation and instant feedback on student performance to the teacher; it is the ideal software for mixed ability classes. Software such as Genee Spark II facilitates student engagement, collaboration and interaction. You wouldn’t buy a mobile device without an App Store, so why would you purchase a touchscreen without one? The Genee App Store provides quick and easy access to a range of educational related applications. All content is thoroughly inspected and verified by our content team before it is released and key stage categorised. The Genee App Store is already integrated into the G-Touch screens, making it easy and hassle-free for you to access the perfect educational apps for your classroom! Is your school GDPR compliant? We have the ultimate sign-in solution for your visitors and staff that is in accordance with the GDPR regulations; we recognise the importance of security and accountability in education environments. Genee Registrar Visitor Management System provides a simple to use sign-in solution with Photo Capture, Barcode Scanning and Visitor Label Printing. Have you ever wondered whether you can take your teaching to the next level? Or how you can display your demonstration, experiment or printed document on a larger scale? With Genee Visualisers you can make a strong impact on your students, adding visual content to enhance your teaching by showing your content – in almost microscopic detail. May Special Offer! Buy 2 GV150SD Visualisers and get 1 free! Genee is all about providing the ultimate AV solutions that fulfils the requirements of all our clients at competitive prices. Discover our innovative technology, software and solutions to open up a world of new learning materials to enhance your pedagogy. Contact Us Phone number 01902 390878 Email sales@genee-group.com Click here to visit our website
New Glasdon Nexus® Evolution is step forward in Waste Management
The latest addition to the Glasdon range is changing the face of how we recycle. Entirely customisable; from aperture colour to waste type; the Nexus® Evolution is a stylish, robust and versatile multi-stream recycling unit. Choose from a multitude of colours, sizes, configurations and over 50 apertures, including cup recycling and even confidential waste to fit your exact waste management requirements. A narrow footprint makes Nexus Evolution the perfect fit for a wide variety of environments; such as primary school corridors, secondary school campuses and all other pastoral spaces; where floor space is at a premium. Its contemporary, symmetrical design also allows it to be approached from both sides in more open spaces. Graphics are easily applied onto either of the Nexus Evolution’s large sides for added personalisation. Further flexibility is added with an extensive list of optional extra features; from wheels and lock kits to sign kits and aperture connector kits. Neil Gilkes, Sales Manager for Glasdon UK Limited said: “We’re very excited about the launch of Nexus Evolution. It’s set to become one of the most versatile recycling solutions on the market. With so many flexible options, our customers can choose their own configuration, colours and graphics to best fit their needs. What we have found is that our customers recycling needs are evolving and this product allows our customers to adapt to those needs.” Website: https://uk.glasdon.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlasdonUK You tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GlasdonUK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlasdonUK email: enquiries@glasdon-uk.co.uk
Zehnder UK unveils integrated heating and lighting panel for schools
Zehnder Group UK is proudly unveiling its integrated Multi-service ‘Foil’ product, which encapsulates heating and cooling, lighting, acoustics and other functions all in one panel. The Foil has been jointly engineered with lighting specialists Whitecroft Lighting, and is ideal for schools and other educational facilities. Bringing together Zehnder’s expert knowledge in radiant heating and cooling and Whitecroft’s heritage in specialist lighting, the Foil combines all the best features of energy efficient heating and cooling, lighting and acoustics. Other services such as speakers, fire alarms, sprinklers and smoke detectors can also be easily incorporated into the design. Case study: Mercia School, Sheffield In 2017, Sheffield Council and the Mercia Learning Trust embarked on an ambitious, £25million new school development in the Bannerdale area of south-west Sheffield. Upon announcing the project, Mercia Learning Trust commented: “The offer of Mercia School will be very different. We intend it to be a traditional school with its culture rooted in exceptionally high behavioural standards and an academic curriculum which celebrates mastery of knowledge.” Educational excellence was the common theme that ran throughout the project brief, ensuring that the school would provide an optimal space for learning, development and achievement. All contractors and building products were chosen with this aim in mind, meaning that every aspect of the build would adhere to these high standards and contribute to the enhanced learning environment. Zehnder’s multi-service foil, developed with lighting specialists Whitecroft Lighting, provided the ideal solution for the school’s science classrooms, combining heating, lighting and acoustic services within one easy-to-install solution. The build was approved in April 2017 and completed in September 2018. The project brief £25million invested by Mercia Learning Trust and Sheffield City Council Brand new secondary school and sixth form building for 11-18 year olds Modern building facilities to deliver a traditional academic environment Ergonomic furniture and room design throughout Specific requirements and challenges Aesthetically aligned to the building Save space and not disrupt the learning environment Cost-efficiency Easy to install Easy to maintain The architect, Bond Bryan’s, vision for Mercia School was to have clean, uncluttered spaces conducive to a positive and academically rigorous teaching and learning environment. The contractor, BAM Construction, was tasked with selecting solutions which adhered to this vision and would supply the necessary functions needed in the building whilst not detracting from the idea of a clean, productive learning space. Over 200 foil radiant luminaires were installed in the science classrooms. The ergonomic furniture design in the classroom resulted in a lack of space for heating services against the wall. Thus, integrating both the heating and acoustic services into a single lighting feature ensured an uncluttered space matching the teaching and learning environment that had been envisaged by both the architect and the Mercia Learning Trust, to support the vision and values of the school. Product specifications: Maximum working temperature: 80°C Maximum test pressure: 7.8 bar Maximum working pressure: 6 bar Tested to EN14037, EN12464 and ISO 354 standards Product benefits: Space saving: combining heating, lighting and acoustics in one unit Radiant panels: savings in excess of 20% vs. traditional heating systems Silent operation: enhancing the quality of the learning environment for students and staff Ease of install: a single install reduces risk of delay to the building programme Simplicity: accessible for easy cleaning and maintenance Energy efficiency: reduces the school’s carbon footprint
Rethink Lockers with Action Storage
Who said lockers had to be dull? Action Storage challenges you to rethink lockers with its specially designed locker ranges that can transform student storage space. Having worked with schools for over 30 years, Action Storage understand what is required for school lockers to make them durable and easy to maintain. Action Storage have two locker ranges, firstly the versatile Atlas Steel Lockers which can cater to different student requirements and have a uniquely robust design to ensure long term use. Then there is the tougher-than-tough eXtreme Plastic Lockers with their undentable build quality they can withstand even the outside weather making them an ideal outdoor storage solution. To accommodate all schools, Action Storage have a School Locker Rental scheme that is designed to help you jump straight to the benefits without affecting your budget. If you’re not certain which locker solution best suits your school, Action Storage provide a No-Fee, No-Obligation site survey from one of their experts to measure the available space and include a detailed CAD drawing in their proposal. If that isn’t incentive enough, Action Storage are currently running a summer offer for QA Education readers. They are offering a 10% discount on your next quote from Action Storage, order before June 5th to guarantee a summer installation. If you’re ready to transform your school this summer, you can visit their website send them an email or call 01908 525 700 today.
Children design their own Christmas Cards & Gifts. We Print. You Fundraise
IQ Cards print high quality personalised Stationery & Gifts using each child’s individual design. Schools raise money for EVERY pack purchased, a great fundraising project. IQ Cards Info Children have great fun designing a picture in class, IQ Cards print high quality Christmas Cards, Stationery, Keyrings & Magnets using the child’s individual design, these can be kept as a memory forever. Our competitive pricing and fantastic quality products combined with a very simple process all help to maximise the funds raised for the school and most importantly encourage parents to order! Raise funds on every item Perfect project for PTA’s Very simple to manage orders Very low prices Free delivery & collection High quality printed products Variety of products Design form & Flyer for every pupil Free to run the project, no costs No risk, payment on receipt of orders 6 SIMPLE STEPS TO FUNDRAISE Children create their designs in class on bespoke design forms provided Designs are sent home to parents with a covering letter & A5 flyer to encourage them to place their order. Organiser collects completed orders and banks the payments IQ collects all completed forms by courier IQ check all forms, scans the images and prints all orders IQ deliver all orders back in year order (each child’s order is individually wrapped for easy distribution) THE PROJECT IS FREE TO RUN WITH NO UPFRONT COSTS Ali Keyes – Ashdown Primary PTA This year your company has been outstanding! The order process was easy, the quality of the cards is out of this world and the fact that you even sorted the cards into year groups for me was an added bonus I didn’t expect! Thank you so much, we couldn’t recommend you more! All the feedback from parents is equally fantastic! We won’t hesitate in using you again next year! Thank you. Kathryn Malfatti – PTA St John’s College, Cardiff This was our first fundraising project since the initiation of the parents association in October and has been a huge success. The school has raised almost £300 and the children and parents have received such wonderful Christmas cards and stationery! The products were of outstanding quality and the packaging, by form and pupil, was so very much appreciated. The task of distribution was made so much easier because of your wonderful organisation! Find out more
School security risks – matching boundary protection to your needs
Cris Francis, security consultant for Jacksons Fencing, offers a guide to ensuring pupils are safe when it comes to school security… Whether renewing, refurbishing or building from new, the school fence, entrance gates and access control should be carefully considered for today and in anticipation of the future. Here are our top five areas to consider when evaluating the security of a school site: Access points Over half of teachers say their school has more than one entrance (56%). Access points, however, should be limited in number, with one main point located in view of the reception or school office, to allow school staff to monitor pupil movement patterns and vehicle access. Type of risk Criminal damage is a problem at 28% of schools, according to teachers. This is part of a range of risks, from theft and vandalism to arson and anti-social behaviour. Other risks can include heavy traffic or equipment and fencing appearing as an incidental climbing frame for young pupils. Aesthetics For a school, the balance between deterring potential intruders whilst welcoming students and visitors is vital. Creative use of colour can soften a perimeter’s appearance. While metal railings may be suitable for some schools, nurseries and primary schools may benefit more from timber fencing, which still provides security but with a ‘friendlier’ appearance and greater privacy. Usage Your school site will probably experience heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic at peak times of day, such as immediately before and after school hours. Think about creating separate traffic routes for pedestrians and cars to ensure safety during these busy times and discuss how your site security should be managed in off-peak times. Local environment It’s important to take a good look at the landscape around your site. For instance, are the foundations firm enough for fences, gates and barriers to sit effectively? A significant 36% of parents know of children leaving the school site by climbing over the perimeter. Are there any potential climbing aids, such as overhanging branches, parked vehicles or storage bins that need to be borne in mind? Performing a thorough risk assessment is an essential part of putting together a robust and appropriate perimeter security strategy. Whatever you choose to improve school security should provide a realistic and appropriate level of physical security, commensurate with the risks it could face. For more information on school security and boundary protection, see jacksons-security.co.uk [1] In April 2018, Jacksons surveyed 1,000 parents (nationally representative), 282 teachers (including 44 head teachers) and 75 architects, quantity surveyors and contractors.
Aalborg. For the finest and most innovative education furniture.
Shell Chair encourages an ‘open’ seating position to ease pressure on the lower back and reduce the propensity for spinal curvature. Good posture improves concentration, reduces discomfort and helps to improve productivity. Available in a number of fixed and adjustable heights, Shell Chair works perfectly works with Aalborg’s Class Desk. Aalborg Saddle Stools also encourage good posture. They are available on adjustable height gas lifts, or other fixed height supports with or without footrests. Especially suited to tasks requiring repeated movement, they help prevent excessive strain whilst twisting and encourage a balanced, upright posture ideal for working at computers. Class Desk is designed to complement Aalborg’s Saddle Stool and Shell Chair. The top has an adjustable slope, shown to aid both posture and handwriting. The footrest, when used with a matching Aalborg chair means that the combination can cater for a range of pupil sizes within the BS EN 1729 standard. A hook for bag storage under the desk centre saves floor clutter. Damage to desk surfaces – either from marker pens or vandalism – is often costly to rectify so Class Desk has a special low cost surface which can be discretely removed for replacement. The desk moulding is designed to also be used as the frame fixing and tilt adjusting underside for a larger surface, providing a basis for pagination or for a wider frame useful to wheelchair users or can also be used for art room drawing boards, for professional artists or architects. Tip ‘n’ Store dining tables are easy to handle, quick to set out, compact to store and ideal for the rapid setup of dining spaces or small group areas. They have no moving parts to trap fingers and are easy to wheel through doorways. Gratnells Stage is modular, lightweight, strong and complies with Health & Safety requirements. Employed for many different applications from drama teaching and performances, to exhibitions and musical events. Flat and split level stages are easily and quickly created as are tiered blocks for audiences, choirs or musicians – complete with legal step dimensions and incremental interlocking handrails. Gratnells Stage is compact to store, fully tested and certificated by FIRA. Employ it to make the most of space and time then re-use it for an entirely different purpose. Beautifully designed furniture built to withstand the rigours of the school environment. Article by: Anthony Hill www.aalborgdk.com