Elms Bank School

Background

Elms Bank Special Needs School supports students with complex needs and had been facing persistent issues with their existing radiator covers. Key concerns included:

• Guards being pulled off the wall and vandalised by students
• Exposed radiators in some areas presenting a scalding hazard
• The existing covers offered limited access, making it difficult to retrieve items that children had pushed through the grilles.
• Ongoing repair costs and disruption to daily operations

After trying several unsuccessful solutions, the Estates Manager observed one of Contour’s DeepClean radiator guards installed by a contractor in a one-to-one room. The product stood up well to challenging behaviours while also allowing for easy retrieval of inserted items prompting further engagement with Contour.

The Challenges

This installation formed part of a wider heating replacement scheme to support the school’s decarbonisation goals. Several challenges shaped the solution: 

1.  Heating System Upgrade 

2.  Safety Risks 

3.  Vandalism and Tampering 

 Previous guards failed to withstand the day-to-day demands of the environment. The new solution had to be robust and secure. 

4.  Maintenance and Hygiene 

 Frequent insertion of objects into grilles created cleaning challenges. Staff needed guards that allowed for quick, tool-free access. 

Solution Implemented

Contour recommended the DeepClean radiator guard, selected for its combination of strength, safety, and serviceability.

Key features included:

• Pencil-proof grilles to prevent objects from being inserted
• Drop-down access panel for fast and easy cleaning
• Bullnose corners and radius edges to minimise injury risk
• Robust steel construction, designed to withstand impact in high-demand settings

The Estates Manager and Contour worked closely to ensure guards were sized to suit the updated heating layout, including all newly installed and relocated radiators.

Project Execution

After conducting a thorough site visit and consulting with the Estates Manager, Contour worked closely with the school to ensure the DeepClean guards would support their updated heating requirements.

The guards were custom sized to fit the newly installed radiators and were designed to cover exposed radiators in areas where students had previously been able to damage the units, causing disruption and safety hazards.

The installation added an extra layer of safety in critical areas and prevented the types of issues the school had faced with vandalism and the risk of scalding. While Contour’s radiator guards were primarily chosen for their durability and ease of cleaning, they also played an essential role in safeguarding both the students and the newly updated heating system.

Conclusion

The radiator guard project at Elms Bank Special Needs School demonstrates Contour’s commitment to providing tailored solutions for complex education environments. By selecting DeepClean guards, the school achieved:

• Improved safety for students through rounded edges and bullnose corners that remove any sharp edges making it a safer environment
• Greater hygiene with easy-access panels for cleaning
• Reduced disruption through a robust, fit-for-purpose solution
• Support for sustainability goals by complementing the transition to heat pumps

Contour’s collaboration with the Estates Manager ensured every challenge was addressed with precision and care, delivering a solution that meets both the operational and safety needs of this specialist setting.

Need a radiator guard solution that stands up to challenging environments?

Contour’s DeepClean radiator guards are built for strength, safety, and easy maintenance—ideal for SEN and special needs schools where durability and hygiene are essential. With pencil-proof grilles and drop-down access for cleaning, our guards support both staff and student wellbeing.

To find out how we can support your next project, call our team on +44 (0) 1952 290498, or email sales@contourheating.co.uk.