EDUCATION-MAR10-PG27:Page 6 25/02/2010 14:02 Page 27
Education Show
Ground
developments developments
are child’s play
with Sovereign
T
here continues to be an ongoing struggle to fight the increase in child
obesity and other emerging illnesses in young people related to poor
health and inactivity. As one of the UK’s leading providers of school
ground developments, Sovereign Design Play Systems is working hard to
influence more schools to evaluate their outdoor facilities and their
provision of an imaginative and physical play environment.
Reports highlighting the soaring obesity in children are now over a
decade old, and despite concerted public awareness campaigning, figures
are continuing to increase. In 2006, The Health Survey for England
predicted that by 2010, 13 million of the population would be obese and
the predictions were not far off, with the Department of Health recently However Sovereign is not only supporting general health campaigns
revealing that one third of children (and two thirds of adults) in England such as ‘Change 4 Life’ that have been created to tackle obesity issues, but
are now obese or overweight. it is also supporting education’s outdoor learning curriculum and the six
The inactivity within young people has also been attributed to other areas of learning. It is continually working to research and develop new
illnesses including rickets, which has seen a recent increase and British products that it can bring to market that will relate to, satisfy and further
researchers have voiced that this could be directly linked to children enhance young people’s educational and learning needs.
spending numerous hours at computer screens. Crucial to the creation of imaginative, stimulating and safe outdoor
Darran Hine, Sales Director for Sovereign, thinks that schools have an play areas is the expertise of the company behind the installation. Schools
important role to play: “While a lot of children are healthy and energetic, should ensure that the companies they use understand the standards and
many of today’s lifestyles incorporate a lot of TV and computer-gaming, requirements needed to supply to the education sector. For instance,
which limits access to equipment that is designed specifically to influence Sovereign is an accredited member of The API (Association of Play
exercise, stimulate learning and engage in imaginative and adventurous Industries). This membership signifies a professional competence and
play with other children. We are encouraging schools, councils and performance and is only awarded once the strict admission criteria of
businesses to review their outdoor facilities to children, to see if anything experience, financial status and quality of workmanship has been satisfied.
can be done to provide youngsters with more essential platforms to Another question when looking for the right supplier is their ability to
promote healthy living and exercise.” He said. guide you through the process from inception through installation to
after sales support. Sovereign delivers a simple, but effective service that
begins with a free consultancy and design advice, so that schools have an
opportunity to discuss their individual and often unique requirements.
The next process is for Sovereign to work on detailed proposals and layout
plans to ensure the right requirements, equipment and budgets are met.
Once everything is agreed, Sovereign completes the on-site construction
of the equipment using its own fully trained and experienced personnel.
Then, as part of its after sales service, it supplies a complementary After
Care Manual, including check sheets for performing weekly routine
inspections, as well as the offering of a full operational inspection service
using RPII (Register of Play Inspectors International) qualified personnel.
Sovereign is in no doubt that its equipment will help promote a more
active lifestyle for children of all abilities and ages, whilst incorporating
the highest level of safety with maximum play value.
u01702 291129 uwww.sovereignplayequipment.co.uk
March 2010 www.education-today.co.uk
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