Your KCS, in association with FIRA, guide to specifying Education & Office furniture

InformerIssue 12 Summer 2009

This issue includes...

Dear Customer,Welcome to the Summer 2009 edition of the KCS Informer.

To accommodate the mix of exciting articles and buying guides, we have changed the format. We think the new square page size suits Informer well. What do you think?

Our largest edition to date concentrates on Furniture. Our guide to specifying both Education and Office Furniture is a must for anyone who has responsibility for this type of purchase. We are very proud to have partnered with FIRA, the UK’s and one of the world’s, leading Furniture Technology Centres, for this guide.

Our School Shout pages continue, with some interesting and innovative accounts of how some schools are taking a new approach.

Once again, thank you for your continued support and if you have any further ideas or suggestions in relation to KCS, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Steven Munday KCS General Manager T: 01622 605485 E: steven.munday@kent.gov.uk

This edition contains articles on:

KCS Own Brand Range ............................... 03–05

KCS Exercise Books .......................................... 06

Guide to specifying Education & Office furniture ....................................... 07–15

We Switch, You Save! .................................. 16–17

KCS Outdoor Play Contract ......................... 18–19

School Shout .............................................. 20–21

KCS Returns Guide ........................................... 22

KCS Schools Customer Care Survey Winners... 23

Look out for...

KCS 1GB Flash Drives 19 000 001 Qty 1–29 £5.49 Qty 30–99 £4.99 Qty 100+ £4.49

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Ultrawhite CompetitionEvery time you purchase KCS Ultrawhite copier paper, you will be entered into a monthly prize draw to win a £100 voucher to be redeemed on KCS stock products of your choice.

November winner: Fulston Manor School, Kent December winner: The London Oratory School, London January winner: Uckfield Community College, E Sussex February winner: Greenward Academy, Essex March winner: Dover Grammar School for Boys, Kent April winner: Ricards Lodge High School, London May winner: St James the Great Primary School, Kent June winner: Longfield Academy, Kent

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products in 2009/10100+

products at launch in 20066

In the 2008 Customer Care Survey .....

99% of prices have either been held or reduced to offer you best value in 2009/10!

90% of them rated the price as either excellent or good!

92% of respondents had purchased a KCS Own Brand product

a quality product, at a competitive price, from a supplier you can trust“

“

KCS Own BrandFrom humble beginnings in 2006, when we launched KCS Own Brand, our 2009/10 range has grown to over 100 different products with over 200 variations!

Before we put our name on a product, we have to assure ourselves of its quality to offer a best value substitute for a branded line.

Over the last 4 years, we have worked with many schools who have usage tested proposed new additions and given us their thoughts as to the potential success of the product.

For those products that we add to the range, we regularly ask for wider feedback through our annual KCS Customer Care Survey. This includes your views regarding quality, price, lifecycle and packaging.

Top: Launch products, 2006 Above: New products for 2009/10

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KCS Own Brand: Key Products

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New for 2009/10

KCS Masking Tape Pk9 04 477 740 4.60

KCS Whiteboard Cleaner 250ml Bx12 03 395 179 23.88

KCS Easy Tape Pk6 04 477 738 1.56

KCS Packaging Tape Pk6 04 477 739 2.85

KCS USB Flash Drive 1GB 19 000 001 Qty 1–29 5.49 Qty 30–99 4.99 Qty 100+ 4.49

KCS Aloe Vera Handwash 250ml 06 999 042 0.85

KCS Hand Sanitiser 100ml 09 450 038 0.85

KCS Washing-up Liquid 06 990 411 1.20

KCS Ink Eradicator Pens Pk10 04 970 318 2.50

KCS Laminating Pouches A4 04 442 079 11.99

KCS Slim Drywipe Markers Pk50 03 970 317 11.99

KCS Ass. Drywipe Markers Pk50 04 970 316 11.99

KCS Refill Writing Pads A4 Pk5 01 807 013 3.50

KCS Shorthand Notebook Pk10 01 807 024 2.30

NEW NEW

NEW NEW

NEW NEW NEW NEW

NEW NEW NEW NEW

NEWNEW

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KCS 2009/10 Exercise Book RangeThe 2009/10 KCS Exercise Book range comes with our market leading Customer Care Pledge.

• Free Next Day Delivery (£30+ ex VAT orders only)

• No telephone or fax queues

• No minimum order

All our exercise books are:

• Market leading quality

• European sourced

Exercise Book FormatKCS

PriceGLS

PriceConsortium

PriceA4 64 page. Pk50 £14.50 £17.00 £18.95

A4 80 page. Pk50 £15.25 £17.75 £18.17

9 x 7” 80 page. Pk100 £18.95 £22.25 £22.65

8 x 6.5” 48 page. Pk100 £10.95 £12.10 £12.55

Loose Leaf PaperKCS

PriceGLS

PriceConsortium

PriceA4. Box 5 reams

£12.95 £16.79 £17.75

Price Comparisons

KCS Exercise Books – The Best Value Solution!

To request a copy of our new exercise book flyer, please contact our Customer Care Team on 0845 270 8811 or email kcscustomercare@kent.gov.uk

Alternatively, see pages 10–17 of the 2009/10 KCS Main Catalogue for further details of the entire range.

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We spend much of our time seated at desks working. If the furniture we use is not suitable we risk injury from over reaching, repetitive strain injuries and back and neck problems. With school children, whose bodies are developing, we risk affecting their posture and backs for life.

Furniture must be suitable for the size of the user and for the purpose intended. As a specifier you cannot go to a furniture store and buy furniture intended for domestic use and utilise it in an office or school environment. Use in the home is much less severe than that in the office and school environment and therefore the life

FIRA is the UK’s, and one of the world’s, leading Furniture Technology Centres. FIRA was founded in 1949 “by the furniture industry for the furniture industry” and to this day remains dedicated solely to furniture and its associated supply chains.

Research carried out at FIRA International Ltd in the UK resulted in the development of the original test methods that are now used in all British Standards for furniture, which in turn have formed the basis of European and International Standards. Today FIRA experts sit on over 50 British, European and International Standards Committees, and in many cases chair the Committee.

FIRA has skills in all areas of furniture testing including timber-based materials, surface finish performance, textile performance, flammability, structural strength, durability and stability.

FIRA develops testing and measurement equipment exclusively for the furniture industry and has supplied test equipment to internationally known testing organisations worldwide.

FIRA also offers a full range of technical expertise to the furniture industry including research partnerships, consultancy and training in such areas as manufacturing, lean engineering, materials, textiles, flammability, health and safety, ergonomics and environmental/sustainability issues. FIRA’s expert witnesses are recognised by courts and Trading Standards Officers as the premier experts in furniture in the UK.

FIRA’s Service Technicians and The Furniture Ombudsman service are the furniture industries first choice for after sales care and dispute resolution.

About the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA)

Your guide to specifying Education & Office furniture

The importance of good furniture is often overlooked in the school and office environment. Furniture is, however, an integral part of how we interact with our environment.

Buying Furniture

expectancy of domestic furniture in a contract environment is shortened, thereby affecting return on capital investment.

A further consideration is that domestic furniture will have been designed for a different use, for example maybe lounging rather than working, and may not be suitable ergonomically.

In the following articles we have worked with FIRA to highlight key pointers to help you specify and buy furniture for offices and schools that is safe, appropriate and durable.

For more information on FIRA, and how we can help you, check out our website – www.fira.co.uk or call 01438 777700.

In association with

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What is BS EN 1729?

BS EN 1729 is the new European standard for tables and chairs used in schools. It replaced the old British Standard BS 5873 in 2006. The new standard comes in two parts: Part 1 dimensional requirements and Part 2 safety requirements and any product should fulfil both parts to be fully compliant with BS EN 1729.

Why was it introduced?

Much of the current furniture in use at schools was designed to comply with old standard BS 5873 which was based on the dimensional data from the 1970’s. FIRA’s 2001 research showed that the furniture did not adequately fit children of today. Similar studies in Europe have also shown the need for a new Europe-wide standard.

For the first time in school furniture, the new standard BS EN 1729, introduces height adjustable tables, chairs and standing height work surfaces.

The standard will ensure that the furniture purchased will correctly fit the sizes of the children, be safe for children to use and will be good for children’s posture and for the long-term health of their backs.

How does it affect you?

Currently there is no mandatory requirement for manufacturers to comply with this standard, or for schools to only buy those products that do comply. However, buying products that comply is the best way to show that the products are safe (Part 2), fit for purpose, fit the children and improve their well being (Part 1).

If you have furniture that does not meet EN 1729 it does not necessarily mean that it poses an immediate safety risk to children, but steps should be made to phase the furniture out over time and to replace it with compliant furniture.

School furniture

Is there anything else I need to look for?EN 1729 provides a starting point for selecting furniture, but you need to look further when choosing furniture that will stand out from the crowd. Furniture should:

• Promote dynamic postures and allow movement.

• Allow flexibility in teaching and learning styles.

• Be durable.

• Come from companies committed to sustainability – being a member of FISP (Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme) is one way of showing this commitment.

• Be easily and quickly adjustable.

• Be easy to maintain and have a suitable warranty.

• Be aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to use.

• Have additional features if needed.

Buying furniture that meets these needs ensures children and schools get the most out of their learning environments.

Call us at KCS, we’re here to help you!

T: 01622 605304E: furniture@kent.gov.uk

In association with

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What to look for when buying school chairs

1. Chair sizes should be appropriate for the children using them and should comply with BS EN 1729, Part 1. Please see page 17 of the 2009/10 KCS Furniture Directory for a simple guide.

2. Specify chairs that are tested and certified BS EN 1729, Part 2 by an independent UKAS accredited test laboratory such as FIRA. This provides the reassurance that the chairs will be safe and durable.

3. Check that the chair is suitably fire retardant as part of your fire risk assessment (if upholstered it should be certified to BS 7176; plastic chairs should be certified to Clause 12 of BS 5852).

4. If adjustable chairs are selected, they should be quick and easy to adjust, to maximise learning time in the classroom.

5. Chairs should promote dynamic postures and allow movement to increase blood flow to the muscles and brain, improving concentration and alertness. Chairs should be easy to rearrange and stack if required.

6. It goes without saying that chairs should be comfortable and look good.

What to look for when buying school tables

1. Table sizes should be appropriate for the children using them and should comply with BS EN 1729, Part 1. Please see page 17 of the 2009/10 KCS Furniture Directory for a simple guide.

2. Specify tables that are tested and certified BS EN 1729, Part 2 by an independent UKAS accredited test laboratory such as FIRA. This gives you the reassurance that the tables will be safe, stable and durable.

3. Tables should have surface finishes that are suitable for the task. This will differ depending on whether they are used for general classroom or specialist use.

4. Avoid white or gloss surfaces if you are using the desks with computer screens as the glare may be a problem.

5. Tables should be versatile – easy to rearrange and stack if required

6. Tables with additional features such as bag hooks may be an advantage.

What to look for when buying storage for education

1. Stability is the key issue. If the item cannot be rigidly attached to the building it must be stable.

2. Look for storage units that have been tested and certified to the relevant British and European standards for strength, safety and durability (BS 5873 Parts 4 & 5 for classrooms, and BS EN 14727 for laboratories) by an independent UKAS accredited test laboratory such as FIRA.

3. Storage should be of an appropriate design for the purpose. Classroom or general locker storage requirements are different to those for sports or musical instruments.

4. Storage should be secure when required. Consider if it needs to be lockable.

5. Storage must be accessible to those who will be using it, be the correct height for the users and have shelves and hooks in suitable locations.

6. If trays are designed to be taken out of the storage unit, check that they are not too heavy for children to carry.

In association with

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Office furniture What to look for when buying office chairs

Think about who is using the chair and for how long. There are standards for stability, strength and durability based on weight and time use. Buying the appropriate type will save you money.

Chairs that comply to BS 5459, Part 2 are suitable for people weighing up to 150kg and for up to 24 hour use, while those that comply with BS EN 1335, Parts 2 & 3 are suitable for people weighing up to 110kg and up to 8 hour use.

If the chairs feature upholstery, check that this is suitably fire retardant (it should be certified to BS 7176) as part of your fire risk assessment.

Chairs should fit your staff. Chairs that have been independently verified as conforming to BS EN 1335, Part 1 should be suitable for 95% of the adult population. However, you also need to check if you have very short or very tall people, or people with special needs who would require chairs outside of the range of requirements of BS EN 1335, Part 1.

Legally, you need to ensure that chairs comply with the Display Screen Equipment Regulations. Purchasing chairs that comply with BS EN ISO 9241, Part 5, is an easy way of meeting the regulations.

Don’t be tempted by cheap ‘home office’ furniture – it is unlikely to have been designed to meet the rigours of office use or the ergonomic requirements.

Chairs should encourage different and dynamic postures and allow users to move rather than fidget.

Chairs should recline and have good back support at all times, i.e. the back should not lose contact with the backrest.

Backrest tension should be adjustable to suit the body weight of your staff so that they can recline without being pushed forward or falling backwards. Ideally this adjustment should be automatic, but manual adjustments are ok, provided that they can be easily reached and adjusted.

Ideally armrests should be adjustable for height and width so that the chairs can accommodate all sizes. Armrests should not stop you getting close to the desk, otherwise you’ll be over reaching.

Make sure it’s easy to see how to adjust the chair. A top of the range, fully adjustable chair that isn’t set up to match the user can cause as many problems as a chair with no adjustments.

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Care for our environment

• Opt for manufacturers who manage their environmental impacts through the use of management systems such as ISO 14001:2004. KCS are accredited.

• Find out about their “end of life” policy - they should be designing and manufacturing their products with a view to them being recycled and they should be using increasing amounts of recycled materials in the production process.

• Look for suppliers that embrace the wider principles of sustainable development, including their social impacts and health and safety management. These would include manufacturers committed to sustainable objectives equivalent to those required by the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP).

In association with

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What to look for when buying office storage

1. Stability is the key issue. If the item cannot be rigidly attached to the building it must be stable.

2. Look for storage units that have been tested and certified to the relevant British and European standards for strength, safety and durability by an independent UKAS accredited test laboratory such as FIRA. In most cases this will be BS EN 14073 Parts 2 & 3 and BS EN 14074.

3. For filing cabinets and pedestals check that there are interlocks to stop more than one drawer being opened at a time.

4. Avoid purchasing storage units with doors and drawers which will intrude into walkways. Tambours units are recommended, which help reduce trip hazards.

5. There is a need to distinguish between storage for personal items and individual/shared work items. Pedestals are not always the best choice for individual storage.

6. Mobile storage should have good handholds and be easily manoeuvrable.

7. Storage that has folding keys reduces the chance of personal injury and damage to the keys.

What to look for when buying office desks

1. Desks and tables should be stable, safe and durable. Look for products that have been independently tested to BS EN 527, Parts 2 & 3.

2. If you are going to use power and data cables within the desk check that they either meet, or can meet the requirements of BS 6396. Electrical network systems should only be fitted by a competent person.

3. Desks and tables should fit your staff. Products that have been independently verified as conforming to BS EN 527, Part 1 should be suitable for 95% of the adult population. However, you also need to check if you have very tall people, or people with special needs who would need chairs outside of the range of requirements of this standard.

4. Legally, you need to ensure that desks comply with the Display Screen Equipment Regulations. Purchasing products that comply with BS EN ISO 9241, Part 5, is an easy way of meeting the regulations.

5. Make sure there’s ample legroom, and that nothing protrudes into the legroom under the desk.

6. Check that the work surface size is big enough for the computer monitor and anything else necessary for the job.

7. Avoid white or gloss surfaces if you are using the desks with computer screens as the glare may be a problem.

8. If the desk is height adjustable by the user it should be easy to operate, crank adjustments are acceptable for sit-sit desks but for sit-stand desks the adjustment should be electrical (otherwise you’ll have sore arms!).

Call us at KCS, we’re here to help you!T: 01622 605304 E: furniture@kent.gov.uk

In association with

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The SE chair’s unique design gives thoracic, lumbar & pelvic support to the back ensuring the perfect posture

Call KCS on 01622 605304 or email furniture@kent.gov.uk

The SE exceeds the postural requirements of the new BS EN 1729

10Year

Guarantee

Available in 6 sizes to cover ages 3 through to 18. Frames can be supplied in dark grey, light grey or Ivory.

Size 1 Seat H260mm 772 000 022 13.85Size 2 Seat H310mm 772 000 023 14.20Size 3 Seat H350mm 772 000 024 14.65Size 4 Seat H380mm 772 000 025 15.00Size 5 Seat H430mm 772 000 026 15.45Size 6 Seat H460mm 772 000 027 15.85

Choice of 6 colours

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Following a recent price increase from one of our suppliers, KCS has taken the decision to switch a number of products to a different supplier, so that we can continue to offer you Best Value!

Please note: Products will change as stocks run down.RSwitch... SAVE!We You

Mr Muscle Glass Cleaner- NOW Ajax Window Cleaner 500ml 06 300 155 1.99

Mr Muscle Floor Cleaner- NOW Lemon Floor Gel 2 x 5ltr 06 300 166 20.99

Glade Solid Air Freshener- NOW Shades Gel Fresh Each 06 495 000 1.99

Glade Air Freshener- NOW Shades Professional Aerosol Citrus 06 200 000 1.40 Flowers 06 210 018 1.40 Marine 06 200 022 1.40

CIF Furniture Polish- NOW Jeyes Furniture Polish 750ml 06 494 001 2.49

Domestos Bleach- NOW Parozone 500ml 06 988 142 1.46

Any questions, please contact our Customer Care Team on 0845 270 8811, or email kcscustomercare@kent.gov.uk

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Domestos Bleach- NOW Parozone 5ltr 06 988 131 5.49

Brillo Cleaner & Degreaser- NOW Jeyes HD Degreaser 2 x 5ltr 06 981 150 13.49

General Purpose Detergent- NOW Jeyes Hand Detergent 2 x 5ltr 06 981 069 7.98

Mr Muscle All Purpose- NOW Kleenoff Bactericidal 750ml 06 300 177 2.49

Mr Muscle Multisurface- NOW Kleenoff Bactericidal 5ltr 06 300 133 9.49

Mr Muscle Kitchen Cleaner- NOW Ajax MP Degreaser 500ml 06 300 111 2.40

Brillo Oven Gel- NOW Jeyes Power Oven Cleaner 2 x 5ltr 06 981 173 31.49

Lifeguard 3 Way- NOW Jeyes Sanilav Cleaner & Descaler 750ml 06 200 044 1.49

Mr Muscle Washroom- NOW Ajax Expert Bathroom 500ml 06 300 122 1.66

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Electronic outdoor play equipment

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Musical/sound play equipment

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Blakedown Landscapes (Operations) Ltd

CPCL The Children’s Playground Co Ltd

Easifall International Ltd

Eibe Play Ltd

Fenland Leisure Products Ltd

Gravity Engineering Ltd

HAGS Play Ltd

Hand Made Places Ltd

Kompan Ltd

Lappset UK Ltd

Lightmain Co Ltd

Miracle Design And Play Ltd

Nova Sport Limited

Playdale Playgrounds Limited

Playforce Ltd

Playquip Leisure

Playworld Systems (Europe) Ltd

Parkdale Play & Leisure Ltd

Proludic Limited

Record RSS Ltd

Soft Surfaces Ltd

SMP (Playgrounds) Ltd

Sovereign Design Play Systems Ltd

Sutcliffe Play Ltd

Timberplay Ltd

Wicksteed Playscapes (Wicksteed Leisure Ltd)

Stakeholder engagement

projects

Line marking

a) paint b) thermoplasticWetpour rubber safety surface

Rubber safety tiles Bark chippings

KCS Outdoor Play Contract

Supplier

This year will see additional funds available across the country as part of the National Play Strategy to build & revamp playgrounds in public areas.

To tie in with this, our new Outdoor Playground Equipment (OJEU compliant) contract started on April 1st 2009.

Our simple matrix guide below is designed to provide you with details of all aspects of the new contract.

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General Playground

equipment & safety surfacing

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Blakedown Landscapes Ltd, J Griffin T: 01454 416006E: southwest@blakedownlandscapes.com

CPCL The Children’s Playground Co Ltd Rinske Wassenaar T: 0902 422 515E: sales@thechildrensplayground.com

Easifall International Ltd Andy Quick T: 0161 973 0304E: andy@easifall.com

Eibe Play Ltd Mr Mark Gornall T: 01483 813 834E: mgornall@eibe.co.uk

Fenland Leisure Products LtdNikki Rose T: 01354 638 359 E: nicki@fenlandleisure.co.uk

Gravity Engineering Ltd Mr Scott Alderman T: 01794 515393E: scott@gravityparks.co.uk

HAGS Play Ltd Nick Tremlett T:01258 817 981 E: nick.tremlett@hags.co.uk

Hand Made Places Ltd Paul Ivory T: 01420 474 111E: paul.ivory@handmadeplaces.co.uk

Kompan Ltd Tracy Ball T: 01908 201 002E: trabal@kompan.com

Lappset UK Ltd Claire Jacklin T: 01536 412 612E: Claire.jacklin@lappset.com

Lightmain Co Ltd Trevor Lafferty T: 01709 763 410E: sales@lightmain.co.uk

Miracle Design And Play Ltd Richard Howard T: 08708 333 444 E:richard.howard@miracledandp.co.uk

Nova Sport Limited Neil Roberts T: 01332 292 202E: info@novasport.co.uk

Playdale Playgrounds LimitedJulie Nicholson T:015395 31561 E: enquiries@playdale.co.uk

Playforce Ltd Steve Grist T: 01225 792 660 E: steve@playforce.co.uk

Playquip Leisure Mark Wigley T: 01206 825 869E: mark.wigley@playquip.co.uk

Playworld Systems (Europe) LtdMs Ashley Bullen T: 01531 636 010E: ashley@playworldsystems.co.uk

Parkdale Play & Leisure Ltd Richard Patchett T: 01756 700 123Email sales@parkdaleplay.co.uk

Proludic Limited Mr Michael Hoenigmann T: 0115 982 3980 E: mhoenigmann@proludic.co.uk

Record RSS LtdMandy Cox T: 01757 703 620E: sales@recordrss.co.uk

Soft Surfaces LtdXavier Brooke T: 01625 445 760E: info@softsurfaces.co.uk

SMP (Playgrounds)LtdLiz Bright T: 01784 489 100E: sales@smp.co.uk

Sovereign Design Play Systems LtdDarran Hine T: 01702 291 129E: info@soverign.sb.com

Sutcliffe Play LtdAndy Shambrook T: 01977 653200E: andrew@sutcliffeplay.co.uk

Timberplay LtdPatricia Latham T: 0845 458 9118E: patricia@timberplay.com

Wicksteed Playscapes (Wicksteed Leisure Limited)Mr Les Pace T: 01536 517 028E: sales@wicksteed.co.uk

Contacts

Wooden carvings, artwork, very large wooden

structure

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Outdoor fitness equipment (gymnasium style)

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Multi use games areas (MUGAs) Skate/BMX parks

a) Metal b) Timber a) Concrete b) Non-concreteBespoke

equipment design

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For further information please contact Janet Brown on 01622 60436 or email brownj02@kent.gov.uk

Or KCS Customer Care on 0845 270 8811 or email kcscustomercare@kent.gov.uk

Supply only

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Inspection & maintenance

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Wittersham School, a 156 pupil, 4–11 primary in Kent, made the national newspapers recently by adopting a new approach to offering school meals.

Faced with shrinking budgets and rising costs, it looked likely that the school would not be able to continue to employ its 2 school cooks and keep its onsite kitchen open.

Enter head teacher, Judith Thornton, who proposed a new way of looking at school meals which would bring the school more closely into the heart of the community.

The local people have now been invited for school lunches, once a week, on a Wednesday. Everyone taking up the offer has to book in advance and the school ensures it knows all who attend. They pay £3 for a main meal and a pudding and eat with the children.

On the day that we were there, 22 members of the community enjoyed lunch. Some have children or grand children at the school and a number are past pupils.

Judith has been approached by other schools asking how they could take a similar approach. KCS wishes Judith and all at Wittersham School great success with this innovative approach, which ensures that the village primary is at the heart of the community!

A £70 KCS stock voucher will hopefully help them stretch their budget that bit further!

A School at the Heart of its Community

School

Shout!

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Hever Primary School would like to share their interesting ‘eco’ activities which allow them to wave their Green Eco Flag with pride.

Their interest first began at Hever back in 2005 when the children’s fascination with bugs and wildlife in and around the school grounds led them to ask to be registered as an Eco School.

Within three months, the school had received its Bronze Award and, alongside the wildlife interest, pupils developed an emphasis in recycling and litter collection/prevention. Biodiversity in the school grounds was expanded and the school linked with the High Weald which enabled pupils to learn about their wider environment. It wasn’t long before the school received its Silver Award.

In 2007, energy became a particular focus and working for the environment rather than against it, became a part of everyday life. Litter picking expanded into the local community and Hever joined the Fair Trade campaign, entering into a competition with local schools to design healthy lunchbox contents whilst spreading the word about Fair Trade.

The school developed links with Jora Primary School in Kenya and a local representative from a charity called African Promise still visits regularly in order to update the pupils on their fund-raising successes. There were also links made with Kent Biodiversity and a fantastic new garden was designed by the children, fenced and built so that they could grow flowers and vegetables. In May, the school received its Green Flag, of which it is very proud! At the end of the year, it was delighted to have solar pv panels fitted, with an opening ceremony taking place early in 2008.

Energy was a strong focus still in 2008 and Hever joined forces with six primary schools in addition to Skinners secondary school for a West Kent Energy Savers team effort to cut electricity usage and create ‘energy experts’ at school! A highlight of the year was their ‘How Low Can You Go’ day when they managed to turn almost everything off for the entire day. Teachers had to go without their cups of tea and computers were not switched on all day. Energy monitors at Hever inspected the meters at regular intervals to make sure nobody was cheating! The figures and graphs collected on this day are still used within the maths curriculum today. Hever also joined the Clean Kent campaign and received its Red Flag for adopting clean habits. It was also awarded the status of ‘High Weald Hero’. It also expanded its

composting area in addition to maintaining a focus on litter collecting and recycling including mobile phones, jewellery, ink cartridges, stamps and even bottle tops.

Over the years the school has entered and won many awards including Gardening for Wildlife and South East in Bloom. There are now so many green-fingered and green-minded children that they are always swamped with fresh ideas!

Their main project for 2009, apart from re-applying for their Green Flag, is to create a World Peace Garden which will have sculptures and symbols of peace from around the world including a water feature, a mini labyrinth, a dove and a Buddha. Their eco committee also performed an ‘eco-drama’ during Fair Trade Fortnight. ‘S’no light and the seven birthday cakes’ was made into a DVD which has now been entered for the Total Green School Awards.

There are plans for a new building at Hever and the emphasis will focus strongly on environmentally-friendly materials and fittings such as water-saving taps and good insulation. Who knows where the green eco worrier movement will take them next!

A £70 KCS stock voucher will hopefully help them further their Green Quest!

Hever Primary School’s Eco Credentials

A School at the Heart of its Community

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Competition

Our new process means we can track your goods & issue any credits or replacements in a faster time!

• Call our sales office on 0845 270 8811• Give the details of the goods in question and the order number• We will do the rest!

? ? ? ? ? ?Your DPN or Account Number

Please quote this on every order to ensure that it is processed speedily every time!

KCS Returns Process

For your chance to win 1 System 3 selection pack (03 215 001), answer the following question:

Please send your answers to karen.webber@kent.gov.uk

How many Individual colours of System 3 paint do KCS Stock?

Q.

Look out this June/July for...

Bordette Stockroom Assortment

36 rolls (57mm x 15m) of 6 colours. 02 010 100

To buy separately would cost £84.60. Our offer price is £63.00 – over 25% saving!

Valid until end of July 09

Super Value Crepe Paper, 60 Fold Assortment

5 folds (500mm x 3m) of 12 colours. 02 001 150

To buy separately would cost £17.40. Our offer price is £12.15 – over 30% saving!

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As part of our Autumn 2008 KCS Schools Customer Care Survey, we offered 20 lucky schools the chance to win a laminator in our draw.

The winning schools were: Bishop Justus C of E School, Bromley, Knaphill School, Surrey, Northfleet Technology College, Kent, St Bedes School, Surrey, Uckfield Community Technology College, East Sussex, Welling School, Bexley, Herne Bay High School, Kent, Fitzwimarc Secondary School, West Sussex, Priory School, East Sussex, Imberhorne School, West Sussex, Wildernesse School, Kent, St John Payne, Essex, Hurstmere School, Bexley, Byfleet Primary, Surrey, Ringmer Community College, East Sussex, Discovery School, Kent, Tunbridge Wells Boys, Kent, Holloway School, Camden, Temple Mill Primary, Kent, St Saviours & St. Olares, Southwark.

Some of these schools were able to join us to receive their laminators personally while also getting to learn more about KCS.

In addition, we were also pleased to be joined by 2 recent winners of our KCS Ultrawhite Competition, who both received £100 KCS stock vouchers.

Competition Winners!

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• Telephones are answered within 3 rings.

• Telephones are answered not by a machine but by our friendly, well trained sales staff.

• No telephone or fax queues.

• No quibble stock returns.

• Your own KCS sales rep to advise you on all purchase decisions in the comfort of your school.

• Enquiries are resolved speedily:

– Telephone: either during the call or within 24 hours.

– Fax/Email: within 24 hours.

– Post: within 5 working days.

• We will provide ongoing training for all our staff to ensure that they are polite, respectful, knowledgeable and able to help.

• We have informed all of our suppliers of our pledge and have received their support to ensure success.

• We will deliver all stock orders over £30 ex VAT placed with us by 12:00 noon, on the following day. (An industry leading 99.23% success rate between 01/04/08 – 28/02/09!)

• We will involve customers in new product selection through focus and testing groups.

• We will expand our KCS Own Brand range to ensure that you can guarantee ‘a quality product at a competitive price from a supplier that you can trust!’

We pledge...

KCS... putting you first!

The 2009/10 KCS Customer Care PledgeAs you will know, we take Customer Care very seriously indeed. We believe that we have to:

• Understand your needs.

• Meet and at times, surpass your needs in terms of product choice, quality, pricing and delivery.

• Be able to demonstrate the value we add.

To ensure that you can continue to clearly see and feel the difference in our Customer Care compared to our competitors, we have revamped our KCS Customer Care Pledge.

KCS – A division of Commercial Services