Question

Write an article on keeeping school neat and clean

Answer 1

The safety and welfare of children is the top priority when it comes to school cleaning. Products used must be gentle enough not to have an adverse effect on pupils especially those with allergies but at the same time strong enough to kill germs.

A classroom can be a breeding ground for germs so it is vital that it is cleaned properly so that germs or bacteria that may cause them ailments such as coughs and colds are killed properly. When you think about it, the surfaces and furniture are touched by kid’s everyday so daily cleaning is essential.

General School Cleaning Tips

Ensure that the cleaning products are gentle and will not cause harm to the pupils.Clean dust and mites using a vacuum cleaner with filter focussing on surfaces, bookshelves and floor area.Surfaces should be cleaned before disinfecting the surroundings.Refer to the manufacturer’s guide of how to use cleaning product because it may cause harm if the label is not properly followed.Assess which areas are most often touched. High traffic surfaces such as desks, toilet area, drinking fountains, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items and toys should be disinfected on a regular basis to keep kids safe at all times.Floors should be vacuumed and washed dailyHandle waste properly - your school should have a standard procedures for handling waste, which may include wearing gloves. Place no-touch waste baskets where they are easy to use.School Window Cleaning – School windows should be cleaned during mid-term and term breaks to allow light enter the classroom area.

How can the children and staff help to keep the classroom clean?

Daily - Encourage children to dust their classroom’s surfaces with microfiber or damp cloths every day especially after lunchtime. Classroom rules should include the following:

Pick up any litter that is on the floorHelp to wipe the whiteboard after schoolArrange the tables and chairs neatly and tidilyMake sure there are no books left on classroom tablesBe careful not to write on table and the chairsFlush after using the toiletMake sure that there isn't any tissue paper on the floor of the toiletMake sure to wash hands properly with soap after using the toilet and after lunchtimeDon’t splash water to the floor as it will make people fall

Monthly

Student art and classroom decorations should be changed every month as they become dust collectors.  Appliances such as refrigerators should be washed monthly.

School Breaks

Wipe down hard surfaces in the classroom with a damp cloth or dry microfiber cloth. Wash stuffed animals, and other fabric items during holiday time as they collect dust, dust mites, and can harbour germs. Avoid using cleaning or disinfecting sprays even when children are not in your classroom as aerosols stay in the air long after they are used and can be dangerous to a child with asthma.

The Summer Deep School Clean

Summer time offers schools the perfect opportunity to review the schools cleaning strategy thinking about all cleaning methods and equipment.

Equipment Press – Go through supplies press and properly discard of any chemicals or other products that have not been used in six months or longer; typically, chemicals should never be stored for more than a year.Go Green If your school is thinking about working towards a green flag why not include a green cleaning strategy. Special green cleaning training may be needed and the summer break provides the extra time.Equipment Review - Assess all cleaning equipment to determine which machines are running properly, which need servicing, and which should be replaced. All machinery should be PAT tested annually.Assess furniture condition. In particular look at those items that need repair or should be replaced.Tile and grout - do floor tiles require new grouting?Evaluate cleaning strategy. To improve cleaning efficiency in the school evaluate all cleaning tasks and frequencies. How can the teachers and pupils contribute to keeping the school clean?Replace lightbulbs. Are you using low voltage bulbs? Replacing conventional lightbulbs with low-voltage bulbs will save the school money in the long run!

Emerald Facility Services can provide the expertise, equipment and most importantly fully trained staff to carry out a fulldeep clean of your school.We can also strip and polish marmoleum/lino floors, clean all glazing and carpets, power wash grounds and create a cleaning plan for the new term.

Emerald Facility Services can provide a daily cleaning service for schools, an adhoc cleaning service, window cleaning service or summer deep cleans as required.