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 revealing that one third of children (and two thirds of adults) in England are now obese or overweight.
The inactivity within young people has also been attributed to other illnesses including rickets, which has seen a recent increase and British researchers have voiced that this could be directly linked to children spending numerous hours at computer screens.
Darran Hine, Sales Director for Sovereign, thinks that schools have an important role to play: “While a lot of children are healthy and energetic, many of today’s lifestyles incorporate a lot of TV and computer-gaming, which limits access to equipment that is designed specifically to influence exercise, stimulate learning and engage in imaginative and adventurous play with other children. We are encouraging schools, councils and businesses to review their outdoor facilities to children, to see if anything can be done to provide youngsters with more essential platforms to promote healthy living and exercise.” He said.
However Sovereign is not only supporting general health campaigns such as ‘Change 4 Life’ that have been created to tackle obesity issues, but it is also supporting education’s outdoor learning curriculum and the six areas of learning. It is continually working to research and develop new products that it can bring to market that will relate to, satisfy and further enhance young people’s educational and learning needs.
Crucial to the creation of imaginative, stimulating and safe outdoor play areas is the expertise of the company behind the installation. Schools should ensure that the companies they use understand the standards and requirements needed to supply to the education sector. For instance, Sovereign is an accredited member of The API (Association of Play Industries). This membership signifies a professional competence and performance and is only awarded once the strict admission criteria of experience, financial status and quality of workmanship has been satisfied.
Another question when looking for the right supplier is their ability to 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.
01702 291129
www.sovereignplayequipment.co.uk
