1 minute read
People
People should always be at the forefront of your school’s premises management strategy.
When you’re thinking about people you need to:
• Make sure that you know the aims and needs of the people using your building and what they use the space for
• Improve the quality of life for your staff and pupils. This will lead to improvements in the productivity of your school
Keeping everyone safe and in good health is beneficial for your school as a whole. If an accident should occur, you can prove that you were compliant with laws and regulations and avoid unnecessary risk and liabilities.
What do people want from your school?
Pupils, staff and visitors want a positive experience from their surroundings at a school and poorly kept facilities will very quickly have a stressful impact on everyone. First impressions and practicalities are key to a positive atmosphere and can be achieved by meeting basic expectations:
Outside:
• Clear, clean and welcoming signage • Well kept grounds, trees and shrubs • Well lit pathways • Pathways clear of weeds, moss, broken paving slabs etc
Inside:
• Areas are clean, tidy and clutter free • Areas are a comfortable temperature, ventilated and well lit • Glass, particularly in doors, is clean and free from marks • The decor is fresh, warm and inviting
Facilities:
• Equipment is serviceable, safe and well maintained • All facilities are safe to use, and hazards are properly signposted • Washroom facilities are kept clean and properly stocked
WHERE STUDENTS LEARN MATTERS:
• Teachers in satisfactory physical surroundings are more likely to stay
• Poor physical environments are strongly associated with truancy and higher rates of student suspension
• Inadequately maintained premises increase the risk of an accident occurrence
• The quality and condition of school facilities affect student performance and wellbeing
• School facilities provide services and benefits to their communities
