Arba for Schools Case Study
- Creche Outdoor Shelter
The Client
Established in 2001 by Rosemary Wilmot, Wilmot Childcare (www.wilmotchildcare.ie)
now operates two childcare facilities; one based in Annacotty
just outside Limerick City, and the other in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.
The Company offers wide-ranging childcare services on a full or
part-time basis for pre-school children, including montessori
and after-school programmes. Wilmot Childcare is the only privately-owned
childcare provider in Ireland to have been awarded the Excellence
through People standard, Ireland’s national standard for human
resource management.
The Project
Arba was engaged by Wilmot Childcare in 2008 to install a canopy,
enclosed on three sides, to cover a 30 sq. metre outdoor play
area at the Annacotty centre. |
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The Background
As a long-standing supplier of Wilmot Childcare, Arba was engaged in
Spring 2008 to enclose the soft play area with secure wall panels. It
was while surveying the site that the idea of installing a canopy over
this area struck Tom Considine, Managing Director, Arba. “It just seemed
like a great way to further extend the usefulness of the soft play area.”
This idea was warmly welcomed by Rosemary Wilmot, Owner/Manager
of Wilmot Childcare: “To me, it made sense on all fronts. Firstly, it
would benefit the children’s well-being, allowing them to run around
in the fresh air more often. Secondly, it would benefit the business,
allowing us to secure this play area and make it available during wet
weather.” A quotation for the work was elicited from Arba, and from
two other local suppliers. “In terms of both price and design, Arba
came out tops. This was due in no small part to the careful consideration
given to ensure that it would blend in with the existing building and
be colourful and attractive to children,” Rosemary recalled. “In addition,
we knew Tom and his team at Arba as being professional and reliable,
so we were happy to award them with the contract.”
The work proceeded to plan and to schedule without a
hitch. The canopy frame was made from mild steel, which was zinc galvanised
for durability. Clear polycarbonate was used on the curved roof to optimise
the natural light inside the shelter. Portholes in various shapes and
colours were also incorporated into the design to make it attractive
and appealing to children. Just four weeks from order confirmation,
the canopy was ready; one week later, the Arba team had it installed
and ready for use. “It has been a superb addition to our facility and
has been greatly appreciated by staff and children alike. During rainy
weather, it has been our saving grace!”, Rosemary admitted.
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