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Safeguarding and DBS Checks: What to Ask a Cleaning Provider

 When it comes to schools, who’s in your building matters as much as how clean it is. Every visitor, contractor, or cleaner should meet strict safeguarding standards. Knowing what to ask can save your staff and students from unnecessary risk. Even the best cleaning service can’t help if their staff aren’t properly vetted. Facilities managers need clarity on DBS checks, safeguarding policies, and staff training to make informed choices. Step-by-Step Approach Confirm DBS Checks Ask for proof that all cleaners have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Make sure the certificate is valid for the roles they’re performing in school. Review Safeguarding Policies Request a copy of the provider’s safeguarding policy. Check how they handle incidents, report concerns, and ensure staff know school-specific protocols. Understand Recruitment Procedures Find out how the cleaning company screens new staff. Do they verify references, employment history, and identit...

Sports Hall and Changing Rooms: Odour Control That Works

 If your sports hall or changing rooms smell before the students even arrive, it’s not just unpleasant—it’s a sign that cleaning routines aren’t keeping up. Lingering odours can affect the perception of your facility and even encourage hygiene issues. Tackling this problem doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need a clear, practical approach. Why this matters Bad smells are often a symptom, not the cause. Sweat, damp clothing, and high foot traffic create odours that can quickly build up if surfaces, drains, and ventilation aren’t properly maintained. Regular, targeted cleaning keeps spaces fresh, protects surfaces, and makes your facility more inviting. Step-by-step method Ventilate first – Open doors and windows where possible and check extractor fans. Fresh air reduces airborne odours and limits moisture that fuels bacteria. Target high-risk areas – Focus on lockers, benches, mats, showers, toilets, and drains. These spots accumulate sweat, soap scum, and dirt ...

Canteen and Staff Room Hygiene: A Simple Weekly Plan

 Keeping school canteens and staff rooms hygienic isn’t just about appearances. A clean space protects staff and students from germs, reduces complaints, and keeps daily operations running smoothly. But with limited time and busy schedules, it’s easy to let small issues slip. Why it matters High-touch surfaces, leftover food, and shared appliances make canteens and staff rooms hotspots for bacteria. Regular cleaning prevents unpleasant smells, pest issues, and potential health risks. A simple, consistent routine saves time and avoids last-minute scrambles. Step-by-step method Daily wipe-downs – Focus on tables, counters, door handles, taps, and microwaves. Use a disinfectant suitable for food areas. Empty bins regularly – Bins should be checked daily and emptied before they overflow. Clean liners help reduce odours. Fridge and cupboard check – Weekly, discard expired items and wipe down surfaces to prevent sticky spills or mould. Floors and spill zones – Sweep da...

Safe Cleaning Products in Schools: What to Avoid and Why

Cleaning a school isn’t just about sparkling floors and tidy classrooms. The products you use can affect children, staff, and visitors. Choosing the wrong chemical can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory problems, or even long-term health risks. Even everyday products can be harmful in a school environment. Facilities managers need to know what to avoid and how to ensure cleaning is both effective and safe. Step-by-Step Approach to Safer School Cleaning 1. Audit your current products Check every cleaner, disinfectant, and spray in storage. Note the ingredients and safety labels. Anything with strong acids, ammonia, or bleach should be flagged for review. 2. Switch to low-toxicity alternatives Look for products marked “low VOC,” “non-toxic,” or “fragrance-free.” These reduce irritation for children and staff while still killing germs effectively. 3. Read the labels carefully Even “green” products can have irritants. Ensure instructions are followed exactly, including dilutio...

Term Break Deep Cleaning: What to Prioritise When It’s Quiet

A silent school is a rare thing. No movement between lessons, no packed corridors, no last-minute spills before the bell. Term break is your best chance to reset classrooms properly rather than patching problems as they appear. Use the quiet period wisely and you’ll reduce reactive maintenance, improve hygiene, and start the next term without avoidable issues. Why this matters Classrooms carry heavy daily use. Dust builds behind furniture, bacteria collect on shared surfaces, and floors take a steady beating from foot traffic. Deep cleaning during term time is disruptive and often rushed. When the building is empty, cleaners can work methodically — and you can finally address the areas that never get proper attention. Step-by-step method 1. Walk the site before any cleaning begins Do a quick but structured inspection. Look for stained carpets, scuffed walls, damaged flooring, and high-level dust. Make notes room by room. Guesswork leads to missed tasks. 2. Prioritise health-to...

School Holiday Reset Checklist (Before Students Return)

 A quiet school building is your best opportunity to get things right. No foot traffic, no timetable pressure, and no lessons to work around. What you do during the holidays sets the tone for the entire term. A structured reset is not about making the place look clean for day one. It’s about creating a healthy, safe environment that stays manageable once hundreds of students return. Why this matters Small issues grow fast in busy schools. Dust builds, washrooms deteriorate, and floors wear down quicker than expected. A proper holiday reset reduces complaints, supports staff wellbeing, and prevents reactive maintenance that costs more later. Step-by-step method 1. Start with a full-site walk-through Before booking any cleaning, walk the site with fresh eyes. Use daylight if possible. Check classrooms, corridors, dining areas, sports halls, washrooms, staff rooms, and entrances. Look for staining, worn flooring, odours, damaged fixtures, and clutter that built up over the las...

Infection Control in Schools: Simple Habits That Reduce Spread

Classrooms are busy places. Children share desks, books, and computers, creating a prime environment for germs. A few simple routines can dramatically reduce infections and keep schools running smoothly. Why this matters Fewer infections mean fewer sick days, happier students and staff, and a cleaner, healthier environment. Facilities managers play a key role in keeping germs under control with smart cleaning and hygiene practices. Step-by-step method Identify high-touch surfaces Focus on doorknobs, light switches, desks, handrails, and shared devices. These areas carry the most germs and need daily attention. Set a daily wipe-down routine Use disinfectant sprays or wipes on high-touch surfaces multiple times a day, especially during flu season or outbreaks. Encourage hand hygiene Make hand sanitiser available at entrances, classrooms, and lunch areas. Remind staff and pupils to wash hands before eating and after touching shared surfaces. Schedule deep cleans strategi...