As the new academic year approaches, schools are busy preparing classrooms, reviewing resources and getting everything ready for the return of pupils. But when was the last time you took a close look at your school’s toilets and washroom facilities?
It’s easy to assume they’re adequate, but are they genuinely meeting the needs of your pupils and staff? And perhaps most importantly, what do your pupils think?
Well-maintained washrooms play an important role in school hygiene, wellbeing and the overall pupil experience. Poorly maintained facilities can contribute to the spread of germs and illness, while unpleasant or inadequate washrooms may encourage pupils to avoid using them altogether.
So, as you prepare your school for another busy academic year, here are some important areas to consider.
TL;DR
As schools prepare for the new academic year, washrooms should be part of the back-to-school checklist. Clean, well-stocked and properly maintained facilities support pupil hygiene, wellbeing and dignity, while helping create a positive impression of your school.
From sanitary waste management and accessible period products to reliable consumables, entrance matting and hand-drying solutions, South West Hygiene can help schools across the South West and Southern England keep their washrooms ready for the demands of a busy academic year.
Poor washroom hygiene can increase the spread of germs
School washrooms are used by large numbers of pupils and staff every day, making good hygiene essential.
If toilets and washrooms aren’t regularly cleaned, adequately stocked and properly maintained, they can become environments where germs and bacteria can spread more easily.
This isn’t simply about keeping facilities looking presentable. Good washroom hygiene forms part of creating a healthier environment for pupils, teachers and support staff.
That means looking at the whole washroom experience, from clean toilets and well-maintained sinks to soap dispensers and effective hand-drying facilities.
Pupils may avoid using your washrooms
Would you use a washroom that was dirty, smelly, poorly maintained or had no toilet paper? Pupils can be just as reluctant to use facilities they consider unpleasant, potentially creating consequences beyond the washroom itself.
Research from Health Innovation West of England and ERIC, the Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity, found that 51.01% of participants said their school toilets were dirty, while 39.29% said their school toilets were not well maintained, citing issues such as a lack of toilet roll, soap and working locks.
Even more concerning, 36.65% of those surveyed said they avoided drinking water so they wouldn’t need to use the toilet.
For schools, this highlights why washrooms need to be more than simply functional. Pupils need facilities where they feel comfortable, safe and confident using them.
That means ensuring toilets are clean, cubicles are in good condition, locks work properly and essential supplies are always available.
It also means paying attention to the details that can make a significant difference to the overall experience.
Is hand drying up to the job?
Hand washing is only one part of good hand hygiene. Effective hand drying is equally important, particularly in busy school washrooms where facilities can be used hundreds of times throughout the day.
A reliable hand dryer can provide an efficient, convenient and hygienic way for pupils and staff to dry their hands after washing them, while also reducing the need for paper towels and the associated waste and replenishment.
At South West Hygiene, we supply and service a range of commercial hand dryers to suit different school environments, including the Pebble hand dryer.
The Pebble combines a modern design with a 12-second drying time, 87 m/s air velocity and a 74dB decibel rating. It is available in white, black and satin finishes, making it a practical option for schools looking to improve their washroom facilities without compromising on appearance.
We can also provide installation and ongoing maintenance, helping schools keep their hand dryers operating reliably throughout the academic year.
Are your washrooms supporting period dignity?
For pupils who have started their periods, having access to appropriate facilities and period products at school can make a significant difference to their day.
Being caught without a sanitary product can be stressful and embarrassing, particularly for younger pupils. Schools can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment by making period products easily accessible within washrooms.
For schools looking to improve their washroom provision, it’s worth asking: if a pupil unexpectedly starts their period while using the toilet, can they access the support they need without embarrassment?
At South West Hygiene, we have added a Bamboo Free-vend sanitary product Dispenser to our product range.
More than just a product, this dispenser is part of our pledge to support environmental conservation and promote hygiene inclusivity. Crafted from sustainable bamboo, it is biodegradable and features a sleek, modern design that is user-friendly, discreet, hygienic, and easy to refill.
Coupled with 100% biodegradable & plastic free sanitary pads and organic cotton tampons, this bamboo free-vend dispenser will also make a great statement in your washrooms, showcasing your sustainability drive!
Sanitary waste needs to be properly managed
Providing sanitary bins is only part of the solution. Those bins also need to be emptied and serviced regularly.
Effective sanitary waste management helps keep washrooms clean, hygienic and pleasant to use, while reducing the risk of unpleasant odours and overflowing bins.
At South West Hygiene, we provide sanitary waste disposal services with servicing schedules tailored to the needs and usage levels of individual premises.
When reviewing your washrooms before the new academic year, check that sanitary bins are available where required, are appropriate for the space and are being serviced frequently enough for the number of pupils using them.
Don’t forget what’s under your feet
Washroom preparation isn’t just about what happens inside the toilet cubicles.
Entrances and corridors can quickly become wet and dirty, particularly during bad weather, creating additional cleaning requirements and potentially increasing slip risks.
A good entrance matting system can help capture dirt and moisture brought into the building on pupils’ and staff members’ shoes.
Effective matting can help reduce the amount of dirt and moisture entering the building, protect flooring and contribute to safer, cleaner hallways, classrooms and washrooms.
With the changeable weather experienced across the South and South West, suitable entrance matting can be particularly valuable when pupils return for the autumn term.
Make sure you have the essentials covered
Even the best-maintained washroom will quickly become a problem if essential consumables run out.
Before pupils return, check that you have sufficient supplies of:
- Toilet tissue
- Hand soap
- Hand-drying facilities
- Cleaning products
- Other essential washroom supplies
It’s also worth checking that soap dispensers, hand dryers and other equipment are working properly. With schools experiencing significant peaks in washroom usage during the school day, having reliable equipment and sufficient supplies can make maintaining standards considerably easier.
Your washrooms can affect pupil wellbeing
A school’s facilities send a message about how much it values its pupils.
When washrooms are clean, pleasant and well maintained, they help create an environment pupils can take pride in. When they are dirty, poorly stocked or regularly out of order, pupils may feel that their needs aren’t being prioritised.
Good washroom facilities are therefore part of creating a positive school environment, not an afterthought.
Don’t overlook your school’s reputation
Your washrooms are part of the overall experience of your school.
Pupils will talk about them. Parents and carers may use them when attending school events. Visitors, prospective families and other professionals may also form an impression of your school based on the facilities they encounter.
Clean, well-presented washrooms demonstrate attention to detail and reinforce the message that your school takes the health, hygiene and wellbeing of its pupils seriously.
Get your washrooms ready for the new academic year
The summer break provides an ideal opportunity to assess your school’s washroom facilities before pupils return.
Consider:
- Are all toilets, sinks and other fixtures clean and in good working order?
- Are soap, toilet tissue and hand-drying facilities consistently available?
- Are your hand dryers reliable and suitable for the level of usage?
- Are sanitary disposal facilities appropriate and regularly serviced?
- Are period products readily accessible to pupils who need them?
- Are washrooms free from unpleasant odours?
- Are entrances protected from dirt and moisture with suitable matting?
- Are your facilities suitable for the needs of all pupils?
- Could anything be improved based on feedback from pupils or staff?
Getting these details right before the start of term can help ensure your washrooms are ready to cope with the demands of another busy academic year.
A clean washroom is more than a clean washroom
As you prepare your school for the next academic year, don’t let the washrooms be an afterthought.
Make sure they’re clean, well stocked, properly maintained and ready for every pupil who walks through your doors.
At South West Hygiene, we help schools and organisations across the South West and Southern England maintain clean, hygienic and well-managed washrooms throughout the academic year.
From sanitary waste disposal and hand dryers to washroom consumables and other hygiene solutions, we can help take care of the details so your school can focus on what matters most: its pupils.
Want to make sure your school washrooms are ready for the new academic year?Contact South West Hygiene on 0800 0184 060 or email customercare@southwesthygiene.co.uk to discuss your requirements or arrange a free, no-obligation washroom services health check.
