Ranelagh School

Ranelagh School and MIW

‘Tradition is important at Ranelagh and still shapes some of our guiding principles but we seek to build on the past while looking to the future. This is and will remain, a forward-thinking school that enthusiastically embraces innovation and new opportunity.’ This is the ethos that powers Ranelagh School in Bracknell. And this is why Headteacher, Timothy Griffith, contacted MIW Water Cooler Experts for advice on the purchase and installation of two new water bottle refill stations for the school in October 2020.

The Brief

As a Silver Eco-School Awards winner, sustainability is high up on the agenda for Ranelagh School. And as an outstanding OFSTED rated academy with Beacon School Status, quality is of equal priority. Consequently, when Ranelagh contacted MIW for information about the potential installation of contact-free water bottle fillers, the school had a comprehensive set of requirements.

• Firstly, MIW’s role would be to provide advice upon the best equipment for the school, installation and logistics.
• The water coolers would need to be of the best possible quality. They must be easy to use and easy to access by pupils of all abilities. They must comply with all water authority guidelines. The equipment must be able to cater for the needs of the school’s 1,035 students and 175 staff quickly and efficiently. And, importantly, to reduce the potential of infection from shared facilities in light of COVID-19, the equipment must be contact-free.
• Additionally, the water bottle refill stations needed to be customisable, allowing for bespoke colouring and logo to be applied in order to fit seamlessly within the school’s aesthetic.
• Once a suitable water dispenser had been identified, MIW would be responsible for managing all aspects of installation, including sourcing, groundworks, logistics and connection.
• Post-installation, Ranelagh School would require MIW to carry out ongoing servicing, maintenance, and sanitisation of the bottle fillers.

The Process

Taking into account all of Ranelagh School’s prerequisites, MIW recommended the installation of two Elkay Branded EcoUV Genie bottle refill stations. Like all of the contact-free water coolers that MIW works with, the Eco UV Genie series is WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approved to guarantee compliance with all water authority guidelines and legislation.

As the first sensor operated water dispensers with in-built UV filtration on the UK market, these units are among the safest and most sophisticated available. And yet, they are extremely easy to use, wheelchair accessible (ADA Approved), and easy to maintain. And in keeping with the school’s sustainability philosophy, the Eco UV bottle filler GreenSpec listed for its excellent energy and water consumption, despite the fact that it provides perfectly chilled water.

Once the appropriate equipment had been selected, MIW visited the school to assess and advise on the best location for installation. The MIW team then sourced and customised the bottle fillers with Ranelagh School’s bespoke graphics and arranged groundworks, plumbing, and installation in line with a pre-agreed timetable.

The Completed Project

From the first contact to installation, the Ranelagh School project took just 4 weeks to complete. Two engineers visited the site to ensure that the work was completed quickly and efficiently, working out of school hours to guarantee minimum disruption and remove all potential for contact contamination.

The school has expressed complete satisfaction with the process and the equipment, with students enjoying the ease of use and access to fresh, chilled water.

MIW Water Cooler Experts continues to work with Ranelagh School on a turnkey rental agreement. Our engineers will be responsible for all ongoing equipment maintenance, sanitation and upgrades when required.