Didsbury Road Primary School is a two-form entry primary school in Stockport, Greater Manchester, educating approximately 460 pupils from Nursery through to Year 6. The school has extensive grounds including two playgrounds, a playing field, and a forest school area used for outdoor learning. Safeguarding and boundary management are central priorities across the site.

Jacksons Fencing's relationship with the school began in 2022 and has since developed into an ongoing partnership across multiple phases of improvement.

Initial project (2022)

The school's initial requirement was to strengthen perimeter security in line with Department for Education site security guidance. The existing boundary did not provide sufficient protection against unauthorised access and needed to be replaced with a more robust, long-term solution suitable for a primary school setting.

Jacksons supplied and installed 147 metres of 2 metre high EuroGuard Regular V mesh security fencing, along with a 3 metre wide vehicle access gate. The system was selected for its structural strength, open visibility, and established track record in educational environments. The vehicle gate provided controlled access for deliveries and maintenance without compromising site security.

The project was completed successfully and gave the school confidence in the quality of both the product and the installation process, forming the basis for further collaboration.

Second phase (2025)

By 2025, several sections of the school grounds were still bordered by ageing timber and chestnut fencing. While chestnut fencing is commonly used in forest school settings for its natural appearance, it presented practical concerns in a busy primary school environment. Over time, timber pales can become rough and prone to splintering, and the natural spacing between pales can create potential entrapment hazards for young children.

The existing fencing also provided limited visual clarity around boundaries. With expansive grounds and a significant number of Nursery and Key Stage 1 pupils, staff needed to be able to clearly define and supervise safe play zones and learning areas.

The school required a replacement solution that would address child safety, reduce maintenance demands, and suit the character of the outdoor environment without creating an industrial appearance.

Solution: anti-trap bow fencing

The second phase involved replacing 95 metres of timber and chestnut fencing with tubular steel anti-trap bow top fencing at a height of 1 metre.

The product was selected for several reasons. It carries RoSPA approval and is fully compliant with BS EN 1176, the British Standard for playground and play area equipment. The bow top profile eliminates finger, head, and limb trapping points, and the absence of visible fixings or panel-to-post connectors reduces tampering risk. The galvanised and powder-coated steel construction requires no ongoing maintenance treatment, and the installation is covered by a 25-year Service Life Guarantee. Self-closing, soft-close gates were included to support safeguarding by preventing gates from being left open.

Colour and design

Around the reception area, individual panels were powder-coated in a sequence of orange, red, blue, and yellow. The use of distinct colours serves a practical function in primary settings: bright fencing helps younger children identify boundaries visually, supports spatial awareness, and contributes to a positive outdoor environment without relying on signage.

For the forest school and playing field boundary, panels were powder-coated in RAL 6005 green to blend with the surrounding hedging and natural planting.

The open pale design of the bow top fencing also has environmental benefits. Foliage can grow through the gaps, and the spacing beneath the bottom rail allows small mammals such as hedgehogs to pass through the fence line freely, which is not possible with mesh alternatives.

Outcome

The completed installation has improved boundary definition across the affected areas of the school grounds. Staff can manage outdoor supervision more effectively, with clear sight lines maintained across the site. The removal of ageing timber fencing has reduced maintenance requirements and eliminated recurring repair and treatment costs.

The colourful bow top fencing around the reception area has been well received by the school community and contributes to a welcoming outdoor environment that reflects the school's inclusive ethos.