When School Fencing Fails, It’s a Safeguarding Problem – Not Just an Aesthetic One
We were recently called out to Knowleswood Primary School, located on the edge of the Holme Wood estate in Bradford.
The existing fencing had been installed by someone else. Posts were wobbly. Gates were loose. Wire was hanging off near the entrance. And this was at a primary school — where young children arrive and leave every single day.
That’s not just poor workmanship. That’s a safeguarding risk.
Schools like Knowleswood are built on a simple belief: every child deserves to feel safe and supported. Our job was to make sure the perimeter matched that standard.
The Job: Full Perimeter Fence Replacement at Knowleswood Primary, Bradford
The scope of work included:
- Removing the existing failing palisade fencing along the main perimeter
- Installing new 3m high rebound mesh fencing to match the existing specification
- Replacing a single gate and fitting a new drop bolt
- Straightening and securing additional sections that had shifted
- Relocating and neatening CCTV cabling — which had been poorly bodged onto the old fence
- Fitting a new mag lock and hydraulic closer on the main access gate
- Tarmacking around new post bases for a clean, professional finish
Not a small job. And it was a live school site — meaning we had to work safely around pupils and staff throughout the entire installation.
Working Safely on a Live Bradford Primary School Site
Working on a school site while it’s in use requires a completely different level of planning and care. Our team is:
- Enhanced DBS checked — every single operative
- SMSTS and CSCS qualified
- Local authority approved
- SSIP and CHAS accredited
We plan our access routes carefully, keep all materials secured, and make sure no hazards are left exposed at any point during the school day.
On this job, we used our Avant compact loader to handle the heavy palisade panels—meaning no manual lifting of large steel sections near the playground and no risk of panels being left unsecured where children could access them.
That machine is a genuine game-changer on school sites. It lets us lift, move, and load panels safely and efficiently—keeping our team protected and the school environment secure throughout.
The Problem With the Previous Installation
When we arrived at Knowleswood, it was clear the original fencing had been done on the cheap.
Posts weren’t set properly. Several were already leaning badly. Gate hardware was loose. And the CCTV cabling — which wasn’t even our responsibility — had been cable-tied to the fence in a way that was frankly embarrassing.
We see this more than we’d like to. Schools get a low quote, the job gets rushed, and within a year or two, they’re calling someone like us to put it right.
The cost of doing it twice is always more than doing it right the first time.
What We Installed: 3m High Rebound Mesh Fencing
For Knowleswood Primary, we specified 3m high rebound mesh—matching the system already in place on part of the site, so the new installation would integrate seamlessly with the existing perimeter.
Rebound mesh is one of the most popular choices for school perimeters across Bradford and Yorkshire because:
- It’s impact-resistant — ideal for playgrounds and sports areas
- It’s difficult to climb — a critical safeguarding consideration
- It looks clean and professional — no sharp edges or exposed wire
- It’s built to last — properly installed, it will outlast most of the buildings it surrounds
Combined with a hydraulic gate closer and mag lock, the access points are now secure, controlled, and fully compliant.
Completed With Minimal Disruption
Despite the scale of the job—multiple gates, full perimeter panels, tarmac finishing, CCTV relocation, and gate hardware—the team completed the bulk of the installation in two days, with final gate work and finishing on day three.
That’s what 35+ years of experience looks like in practice. No messing about. No leaving sites half-finished. No excuses.
Knowleswood is a school that prides itself on providing a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive. We made sure our installation reflected exactly that.
Why Bradford Schools Choose Airedale Fencing
We’ve worked with 300+ schools across Bradford, Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region—including multi-academy trusts, local authority schools, independent schools and nurseries.
Here’s what school business managers and site managers tell us matters most:
Safeguarding compliance—our installations meet all relevant standards, and every operative is fully DBS checked.
Minimal disruption — we work around the school day and keep sites clean and safe throughout.
Honest pricing — no hidden costs, no surprises. You get a clear quote, and we stick to it.
In-house team only — we never subcontract. The people who quote the job are the people who do the job.
Local reputation — most of our school work comes from referrals across Bradford and Leeds. That tells you everything.
Get a Free Quote for Your School Fencing Project
Whether you need a full perimeter replacement, gate repairs, or a survey to assess what’s needed, we’ll come out, take a look, and give you a straight answer.
No obligation. No sales pressure. Just honest advice from people who know school fencing inside out.
Call us or visit airedalefencing.co.uk to book your free site survey.
