How and why do schools need acoustic fencing?

There are many challenges facing schools when it comes to ensuring security, from guaranteeing the safety of pupils to keeping unwanted intruders out of the grounds . Also essential to consider, both for the school itself and neighbouring residences, is the noise levels created by hundreds of young students. The solution? Acoustic fencing.

Noise Reduction

School buildings often predate the surrounding residential developments and as a result may not have been designed to adequately suit their current environment. Many schools experience peaks in noise levels, particularly at break times or the start and end of the day, which can have a detrimental affect on local residents. A solution such as acoustic fencing around the school perimeter or close to a noise source such as playgrounds can have a beneficial effect in reducing noise and disruption to the local area.

Privacy

Acoustic fencing not only offers the benefit of noise reduction, the timber structure, usually a minimum of 2 metres in height, reduces visibility into the school grounds, decreasing the risk of potentially harmful activities.

Good Citizenship

An increasing number of schools are aiming to build stronger ties with their local communities and immediate neighbours and installing perimeter fencing with noise reduction qualities can be the ideal solution. Although anyone living near a school would expect some level of noise, acoustic fencing can benefit the local community by reducing disruption during the noisier times of the day.

Security

Child safety is at the top of every school’s agenda, but investing in acoustic fencing doesn’t mean compromising on security. Many acoustic fences are also robust, durable and incorporate safety measures such as anti-climb features, to ensure the safety of every student and staff member on school grounds.

Better learning

It’s also clear that, for students, a quieter environment is an environment more conducive to learning. Whether it’s a busy road or a neighbouring school building, limiting noise means limiting distractions in the classroom.

Quality acoustic fencing, like Jacksons’ Jakoustic^® range can reduce noise by up to 28dB*. Plus, with Jacksons’ unique 25-year guarantee against rot and insect attack for all timber products, you can rely on your acoustic fencing for years to come.

Safety

Available in a range of heights, acoustic fencing provides a high level of privacy, along with enhanced security (especially when used with other perimeter security solutions); perfect for an education site

Sustainability

Made from wood, acoustic fencing often has a low lifetime cost; Jacksons’ acoustic fences even have a 25 year guarantee.

Simplicity

Acoustic fencing is fast to install and provides a more natural, less intimidating appearance than some fencing styles.

Considering installing acoustic fencing for your school site? It’s important to discuss your needs with a reliable manufacturer, who can work with you to find a high quality solution. Think about the source of the noise (whether in or outside school) in terms of its location, intensity, and frequency, as this will determine the density and height of your acoustic fencing and the degree of reflection or absorption required.

Find out more about how acoustic fencing can benefit a school? Read The Leys School case study here