6 questions to ask a school fencing supplier before signing a contract

When you make the decision about fencing and access systems for your school, it is vital that you choose the right school fencing supplier.

The fencing that you choose has to safeguard your children and staff and the building. It also has a primary role to play in how the school looks and how everyone interacts with it.

To help make sure that you select the right school fencing supplier, we have put together a list of key questions to ask:

What experience do you have in supplying school fencing? Supplying and installing school fencing and gates requires specific expertise, so to get the safety, security and aesthetics that your school needs, it’s important that the school fencing supplier that you choose has extensive experience in the area.

Do you offer a full range of school fencing? A school can require a range of fencing and access systems, and these requirements vary from school to school. Playing fields, sports courts, playgrounds, school buildings and car parks have different fencing and entry control requirements. To make sure that you get the fencing systems your school requires, you need a supplier that can meet this demand.

Will the fencing keep the children and staff safe? An expert school fencing supplier will make sure that you choose the type of fencing that meets your needs. Your school fencing systems must comply with a number of stringent regulations, including the BS EN 1176 standard, and pass a RoSPA inspection. This helps to ensure that your fencing systems and your children and staff are safe.

Can you provide school fencing that is aesthetically pleasing? While safety and security is a primary concern, your fencing should also be aesthetically pleasing. Fencing plays a vital role in framing the image of a school. You want the fencing to make your school look inviting rather than intimidating. You may also want certain fencing to have a specific finish or colour.

Do you hold all the relevant certification? You need to know that your school fencing supplier has all the relevant industry accreditation. This is a key indicator of expertise, quality and reliability. Look out for accreditation such as CHAS, EFIA and SMAS. In addition, the supplier must have current DRB certification for its installation team.

Can you provide customer testimonials and case studies? You should be able to access relevant, well-presented and up-to-date case studies and testimonials. They can give you important insight into your school fencing supplier. The case studies and testimonials should strengthen the supplier’s credibility and build your trust in them.