Speak to us
We're always keen to learn about your project and to discuss your requirements
Education
Safehinge's customers are creating schools that are equipped for 21st-century teaching and learning, spaces that have the flexibility to meet the needs of their communities.
The requirement for finger protection is well recognised, particularly in spaces used by young children and children with special needs.
We understand that procurement is increasingly driven by the whole life costs of a building, not just the capital cost, with tightening budgets demanding maximum value.
Safehinge enables local authorities to specify durable, integrated finger protection that is installed once, never replaced and will typically save their schools around £500 per door on replacement costs over the 25 year life of a building.
Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and the Primary Capital Programme (PCP) are the largest school buildings investment programs in the UK. Local authorities have a rare opportunity to design and create inspirational schools for the 21st century and are looking to maximise the value of their investment by creating buildings that are flexible and can safely accommodate the needs of the entire community.
Requirement for finger protection on the hinged edge of the door is well recognised in nursery, primary and special needs schools. Finger protection not only protects the vulnerable children who occupy these buildings from severe injury, but also the local authorities from costly compensation claims that inevitably follow.
Considering the flexible use of schools by the community, the Department for Children, Schools and Families also recommends considering finger protection when designing secondary schools, especially in relation to doors to spaces where young children may occasionally be present, such as toilets, reception areas and halls.
With over £50 billion being invested in new or refurbished schools, local authorities need to ensure their money is well spent and will drive procurement decisions by the whole life cost, not just the capital cost. Schools are right to demand maximum value for the money, ensuring they can spend their devolved budget on things that make a difference to pupils' education, such as new computers, and not on regular replacement of plastic hinge guards.