1). Do playground markings fit into the Governments agenda for ‘Every Child Matters’?
Ans: Yes they do, markings address the five objectives for ‘Every Child Matters’ in various ways connected to play. Please see our notes.

2). Is thermoplastic environmentally friendly?
Ans: Yes it is, the material is non toxic, it contains no lead or chromates (like paint) and it will last for ten times longer than paint does.

3). Can students help with the design?
Ans: Some of the best designs I have seen have been produced by students. We actively encourage their involvement. We can work with small groups or with the school council on our site visits to make sure that students have a voice.

4). Can you produce a design for us?
Ans: Yes we can. On our site visit we will measure your space, listen to your ideas and then produce you a provisional design on the computer. We welcome your input at this stage and can make any changes you require. Our aim is to to provide you with the markings you need and a design you love.

5). Can you suggest some activities for our completed playground?
Ans: Yes we can, we have lots of lesson plans which we can send you. Or if you prefer, we offer a staff training service, so that we can provide you an Inset, to remind LTAs how to play the traditional games and provide some ideas for lesson activities for teachers. We can build these to your specific requirements, either as a morning or afternoon session or included in a staff meeting.

6). Can we make up our own designs?
Ans: Bespoke designs are our speciality. We love to experiment with design, so if you would like a school logo, have drawings from students which you would like turned into games, or have ideas, but as yet no graphic, talk to Emma and she will turn your ideas into reality.

7). How long will it take from ordering to fitting?
Ans: Once we have finalised your order, it will take us 5 working days to cut out your graphics. We can then book a mutually agreeable time to fit them.

8). How long will the graphics take to fit?
Ans: We work in teams of two, so for a small order we would usually send one team and aim to complete this within two days. If you have a big order and a short time scale we would send three teams to complete the work much faster. At Trinity School we managed to finish a sizeable playground and entrance graphics in one day ready for the grand opening of the school and visit from the Mayor the next day.

9). How long will it take to dry?
Ans: Thermoplastic takes ten minutes to cool down and then it can be walked on ten minutes later, not long at all.

10). Will the weather affect you working?
Ans: Yes it will. If the ground is wet we can dry it off. However, if it is raining as well, we will need to wait until it has stopped. For this reason we make provisional bookings and then a couple of days before this we will check the forecast with the Met Office and then call you to verify (or rebook if necessary).

11). How long will it last?
Our manufacturer guarantees this product for four years for use on the road. As it will get much less use on a playground we are finding that the markings are lasting considerably longer. Markings that were fitted ten years ago are still looking good. However, the bond will only be as good as the surface so it must be clean and clear.

12). Do the graphics constitute a trip hazard?
Ans: No they don’t. Once fitted, the plastic melts onto the tarmac and raises the surface by 2mls at most. This is below the limit for a trip hazard.

13). Can graphics be fitted during school hours?
Ans: They can, but we prefer not to. We use a torch to fit the graphics so we would rather the playground was empty. School holidays are the ideal time to fit markings, although we will work at the weekend at no extra cost if entry through the school gates can be organised.

14). Do you need access to the school?
Ans: No we don’t, we are very self sufficient, so as long as we can access the grounds we can work.