Winner of national toy design competition announced

Posted 06/07/16

A teenager has scooped the top prize in a national competition that aims to raise children's awareness of consumer issues and aspects of product safety.

Shannon Pardoe was announced as the overall winner of Playsafe at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute's (CTSI) annual conference in West Midlands, recently.

The 14-year-old, from Highsted Grammar School, Kent, impressed judges with her 'Wack A Math' toy design, which incorporated safety features but also had a fun, educational twist that challenged players to answer maths questions correctly.

Organised by CTSI and the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), Playsafe is an annual competition that encourages children to design toys that reflect appropriate product safety requirements.

Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: "These days it is important that children and young people understand the issues that consumers face every day and the risks that certain types of products pose.

"We received some fantastic entries from across the UK that demonstrated a practical understanding of the safety requirements in the toy industry. This year's winner showed great imagination and creativity."

Shannon was chosen from more than 250 entries and selected as the overall winner and also came first place in the 12 to 17 age-category. She took home £100 for herself and £1,000 for her school.

In addition, Kia Head from Laleham Gap School, Kent, was awarded first place in the special needs school category for her design 'Dino Roar' and Cara Spice from Seafield Primary School, Elgin, was announced as winner of the six to 11 category for her creation 'Personality Dolls'.

Playsafe is open to students aged between six and 17 years old with the top entries in each category showcased to judges for their consideration at CTSI's conference.

The competition is run locally by schools across the UK and aims to challenge children to gain a better understanding of product safety.

Natasha Crookes, director of communications and public affairs at BTHA, said:" The judges had a hard time picking a winner in each of the categories as the standard was high across all finalists.

"It was amazing to see the fun and innovation incorporated in the entries as well as the serious message of the importance of knowing about product safety.

"Shannon was our overall winner as she incorporated a huge amount of detail in her entry. It had a great name, was educational whist still, and importantly, being fun, and included detailed instructions, safety information and child development knowledge – a fantastic idea and brilliantly executed."

Notes to editor

• 1st place in the special needs school category was awarded to Kia Head, 14, from Laleham Gap School, Kent, for her design 'Dino Roar'. 
• 2nd place in the special needs school category was awarded to Ralph Noble, 12, from Laleham Gap School, Kent, for his design 'Bear Photo Friend'. 
• Highly Commended in the special needs category was awarded to Keiran Chetwynd,11, from Portal House School, Dover, for his design 'Super Teddy'. 
• 1st place in the 6-11 age category was awarded to Cara, 10, from Brent Primary School, Dartford, for her ‘Personality Dolls'. 
• 2nd place in the 6-11 age category went to Erin Bennette, 9, from Seafield Primary School, Elgin, for her entry ‘Erik and Erika Elephant’. 
• 2nd place in the 12-17 age category was awarded to Shellie Stinton, 13, from High Arcal School, Dudley, for her design 'Travel Buddies'. 
• Highly Commended in the 12-17 category was awarded to Lauren Scott, 14, from Highsted Grammar School, Sittingbourne, for her design 'World Map Game'.

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