SCHOOL MAINTENANCE
characteristics of the classroom. It was found that these characteristics affected learning progress by 16%. There were found to be some very clear factors that contribute to improved learning and design in the classroom, one of which was use of colour, which was found to stimulate pupils’ learning abilities.
“In the last few years, we have recognised a trend for schools to move away from neutral colours, such as greys, to more colourful shades, like red and orange. Schools are also choosing accents of colour to be integrated within a classroom space and are using carpet for demarcation instead of barriers or partitions. Colourful carpet is being utilised to mark out
specific zones, for breakout spaces and reading areas, creating a stimulating and aesthetically pleasing environment.
“Supacord remains one of the most popular carpets for schools, not least because it is available in the most comprehensive choice of 42 colours. It is renowned for being able to withstand heavy wear and tear, retaining its aesthetics and performance for many years. “Schools are also choosing colourful carpet for their entrance areas too, as we offer the option of integrating bespoke logos and customised shades. Some schools also opt to have their school branding or ethos integrated within their entrance area carpet to add impact and reinforce the values of the school as soon as pupils or visitors walk through the door.
“With this latest study showing a clear link between good design and pupil achievement, it is essential to get the floor covering right. With an endless choice within our Supacord range, schools can create the perfect learning environment – starting with the floor.” David Papworth, General Manager of Junckers Ltd, specialist provider of flooring to the education sector, continues the theme, highlighting the importance of good flooring in schools and looking at some of the factors schools should consider when choosing flooring. “For schools and higher education facilities, there are usually three overwhelmingly important factors to consider when it comes to flooring: performance, longevity and cost. This is true for sports floors as well as for floors throughout a school, and a balance between those three factors are of crucial consideration to specifiers. “For sports flooring, Sport England has set out a set of guidelines to aid schools and other public buildings in the specification process called Affordable Sports Flooring. Previously, a Point Elastic Floor was deemed adequate and economical but the latest study showed an Area Elastic Floor to be the best option in the context of the affordable sports hall project. Area Elastic Floors are made in wood, with an undercarriage system for shock absorption, ball bounce and player safety. A floor made in solid hardwood is one of the most durable surfaces available and
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with a typical lifespan of 60 years, it is virtually unbeatable in terms of lifecycle costs. A sports floor should comply with the European standard BS EN 14904 : 2006, which outlines safety and performance standards.
“When it comes to maintenance, every floor finish, including synthetics, will become damaged over time. A solid hardwood floor, for sporting and general purposes, can be sanded and re- finished eight to ten times during its life. Compared with a typical 15 year life of a synthetic or “engineered” floor there really is no comparison in terms of life cycle cost. With a regular maintenance programme in place, a school floor should be expected to last for generations.
“Another important consideration is environmental sustainability. It is important to ensure the floor as well as cleaning and maintenance requirements do not involve harmful materials. Certifications such as PEFC and FSC, which indicate timber from traceable and sustainable sources, are high on the agenda for specifiers, with BREEAM rating and guidelines for formaldehyde emissions also coming into play. “Lastly, a high quality, high performing floor can add significant commercial opportunities for a school, with the possibility of hosting events, functions and competitions. With helpful guidelines set by Sport England and the Education Funding Agency, choosing a good quality floor for a school is money well spent.”
For further information, please go to:
www.altuity.com
www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk
www.junckers.com/gb/
May 2017
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