EYFS Grant
 

HELP!
We are an Out of School Club in Lancashire based in a school. We have been given a largish grant to improve our outdoor facilities, Yippee!
Problem is we have to have at least three quotes asap and then the money has to be spent within 3 months. I can't get any firms to commit.
We want to improve a small area of the playground with a seating area, sandpit, floor markings and mirrors and chalkboards on the wall. Also we have a small woodland area we'd like to re-vamp.
Has anyone in our area any experience and can offer advice?

Hiya, I'm not familiar with any expected protocol for this type of project, know what you might of already tried or what the criteria of the grant is but would personally approach it individually, as you've described

• Seating area & sand pit - Landscapers, carpentry, local handcrafters, personal sourcing.
• Floor markings, mirrors & chalkboard - playground specialists, local handcrafters.
• Woodland area

I'm thinking the three quotes are needed to ensure quality at a competitive price?

Could you set the project agenda to find three quotes on:
1. What it would cost for you to buy all the equipment from the 'highstreet & employ a certified person to fit.
2. Outsourcing the entire project.
3. Bring in quotes from companies on the 3 job areas in hand so they can source, purchase and fit - invite tenders?

Commissioning seems to be what you're up against. Maybe look at contacting a few people involved with your Local woodland trust and enquire with your local council who a play area coordinator/contact might be - who do they use for their playground needs?

Lancashire Landscape design
Lancashire playground

Keep in touch with your grant providers - it's possible if you encounter problems they may be able to suggest solutions.

Do you know the sort of look you want?

Consultancy may eat up your grant so finding out as much as you can will be a sizeable advantage.

Playground seating, sandpit, playground mirrors, Chalkboards can be professionally supplied or a tin of suitable paint - Pendlewood.com's chalkboard. Woodland areas have many considerations, regardless of size. Speaking with those passionate about wooded environments and their residents is a good way to go

Hth, very interested to hear how things develop for you
xx

Thanks for the prompt reply, rough quote from Pendlewood just recieved and another on the way. Great minds think alike, have had the local woodland people here already, they're very helpful but hard to pin down and I'd have to go and source all equipment and resources myself, not what you want when Ofsted are overdue.
Will keep you posted.