Six reasons why investing in professional school cleaning is so important

Limited resources, staffing constraints, and the constant flow of people through school buildings make it difficult to keep up with cleaning demands. Classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and other areas can quickly become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, impacting student health and well-being.

Investing in professional school cleaning represents a vital investment in student health, well-being, and academic success. This blog post will explore seven key reasons why prioritising professional cleaning is essential for creating a thriving learning environment, and how BIC PLC can provide support.

1. Protecting student health and well-being

The link between cleanliness and the spread of illness in schools is undeniable. Common colds, flu, infections, and other contagious illnesses can spread rapidly in the close quarters of a school environment. When students are poorly, they inevitably miss valuable learning time, impacting their academic progress and overall well-being.

Creating a clean and hygienic environment is crucial for limiting the transmission of these illnesses and keeping students healthy and in the classroom. Professional school cleaning plays a vital role in reducing the spread of germs and bacteria.

Our technicians understand the importance of proper disinfection techniques and use effective cleaning products to eliminate harmful microorganisms from surfaces throughout the school. This includes commonly contacted surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, desks, and shared equipment, which can be major vectors for germ transmission.

The impact of reduced absenteeism due to illness on student learning is substantial. When students are healthy, they are present in the classroom, engaged in learning, and able to reach their full academic potential.

By reducing the spread of illness through professional cleaning practices, schools can create a healthier learning environment, leading to improved attendance rates and better academic outcomes for students. Investing in professional school cleaning is an investment in student health, which directly translates to an investment in their education.

2. Creating a positive learning environment

A clean and organised school environment plays a key role in creating a positive and conducive atmosphere for learning. Imagine a classroom filled with clutter, dust, and overflowing bins. Such a space can be distracting and overwhelming, hindering students’ ability to focus and learn effectively.

Conversely, the psychological impact of a clean space on both students and teachers is significant. A space like this will reduce stress and anxiety, creating a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

Libraries, as spaces for quiet study and research, also require attentive regular cleaning to promote concentration. Cleanliness in these spaces contributes to a sense of order and respect, encouraging students to treat the learning environment with care.

Generally speaking, when students see that their school is well-maintained and cared for, they are more likely to take pride in their surroundings and treat the space with respect. This sense of ownership can contribute to a more positive school culture, and even go so far as to reduce vandalism and promote a stronger sense of community.

A clean and well-maintained school sends a message that the school values its students and their learning, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging students to take an active role in maintaining their environment.

3. Elevating your school’s image and reputation

From the moment someone steps onto the school grounds, they are forming an opinion based on what they see. A clean, well-landscaped exterior, tidy entrance, and welcoming reception area create a sense of professionalism and care, establishing trust with visitors and inspectors.

Cleanliness also contributes heavily to attracting and retaining students. Prospective students and their families often visit schools before making enrolment decisions. A well-presented space can be a deciding factor, influencing their perception of the school’s culture and commitment to student well-being.

Going one step further, online reviews and word-of-mouth referrals can certainly hold sway over a school’s reputation. Parents and community members often share their experiences online, and negative reviews about cleanliness can deter prospective students and families.

In stark contrast, positive reviews highlighting a clean and well-maintained school can attract new students and bolster the school’s image. Maintaining a clean and welcoming environment is essential for building a positive online presence and fostering positive word-of-mouth referrals.

4. Maintaining school facilities and equipment

Schools invest significant resources in their facilities and equipment, from classrooms and libraries to sports halls and computer labs. Regular professional cleaning prolongs the lifespan of these valuable assets. Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate over time, damaging furniture, carpets, flooring, and other surfaces.

Preventative maintenance through regular professional school cleaning is a cost-effective strategy. By regularly cleaning and maintaining school facilities, schools can avoid more extensive and expensive repairs down the line.

For example, regular carpet cleaning can prevent stains from becoming permanent, furthering the life of the carpet and avoiding the need for replacement. Similarly, regular cleaning of sports equipment can prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring its continued safe use.

Different types of school equipment require bespoke cleaning techniques. Sports equipment, for example, needs to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, whereas computer labs require careful cleaning to protect sensitive electronic devices.

Our qualified cleaning technicians are trained in these cleaning techniques, ensuring that all equipment is cleaned safely and effectively.

5. Adhering to health and safety regulations

Schools have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, and visitors. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance and resources to help schools meet these obligations.

The HSE’s classroom checklist covers a range of health and safety issues relevant to ordinary classroom settings. It is designed to be used by teaching staff, support staff, premises staff, and department heads. By using the checklist, schools can quickly identify areas of concern, from trip hazards and spillages to cleanliness and hygiene issues.

Professional school cleaning services help address many of the items on checklists like the HSE’s. For example, regular cleaning helps to remove trip hazards by making sure that floors are free from clutter and spills.

While the HSE checklist doesn’t cover specialised facilities like labs or sports areas, the principles of cleanliness and hygiene are equally important in those spaces, and professional cleaning services can be adapted to meet those specific needs.

6. Supporting staff and teacher well-being

Teachers and staff spend a considerable amount of time in schools, and their health and well-being should not be forgotten about. A clean school contributes to a healthier workplace, reducing the risk of illness and creating a more pleasant atmosphere for everyone.

Reduced exposure to germs and bacteria has a direct impact on staff absenteeism. When schools are clean and well-maintained, teachers and staff are less likely to get sick, resulting in fewer sick days and less disruption to the school’s operations.

This is particularly important during peak illness seasons, when staff shortages can put a strain on resources and impact the quality of education. A healthy staff is a more consistent and reliable staff, ensuring that students receive the support and instruction they need.

Furthermore, cleanliness plays a crucial role in creating a more pleasant and productive work environment for staff.  Working in a space that is well looked after can boost morale and reduce stress. Teachers and staff are more likely to feel valued and appreciated when their workplace is well-maintained.

When staff feel comfortable and supported in their work environment, they are better equipped to focus on their primary role: educating and supporting the next generation.

How can BIC PLC help?

We partner with schools across the North East and nationwide to create clean, healthy, and inspiring learning environments. With extensive experience in educational settings, we offer industry-leading expertise and thorough services tailored to schools’ requirements.

We offer flexible scheduling to keep disruption to a minimum. Our trained, vetted personnel are dedicated to providing a reliable, professional service. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help your school shine.