Background

Shottermill Infant School in Surrey provides primary education for children aged five to seven and sits by a lane and local green space. With regular pedestrian and vehicle movement around the site, the school required a secure and clearly defined steel fence.

The school’s priority was to prevent unauthorised entry during and outside of school hours while ensuring safe, separate access for vehicles and pedestrians. Given the young age of pupils, the fencing also needed to comply with strict safety standards to eliminate entrapment risks and support effective supervision. 

Solution

Anti Trap Bow Top steel fencing was selected for its compliance with BS EN 1176 playground safety standards and RoSPA approval. The system's wide hooped pale design prevents children from trapping their heads, necks, or limbs - a critical consideration for a primary school setting.

All fencing and gates were manufactured from hot-dip galvanised steel to BS EN 1462 and powder coated black, providing a smart finish and long-term corrosion resistance.

Key Features

Structural safety - Welded pale-through-rail construction and concealed panel-to-post connectors prevent tampering, reduce snagging risks, and ensure pales cannot be bent or removed.

Access control - A double-leaf automated gate was installed at the main vehicle entrance, enabling controlled, remotely operated access for deliveries, staff, and visitors. A separate single-leaf pedestrian gate provides a dedicated, clearly defined route for pupils, parents, and visitors, reducing vehicle-pedestrian conflict during peak drop-off and pick-up periods.

Perimeter continuity - Matching Anti Trap Bow Top panels were installed between the gates and the existing boundary, ensuring a visually cohesive and fully secure frontage.

Outcome

The installation delivered a secure, low-maintenance perimeter that supports the school's safeguarding requirements and daily operational needs. The open railing design maintains clear sightlines for supervision, while the powder-coated finish provides a professional appearance. The solution is backed by a 25-year service life guarantee.