We all love Ofsted. Right…?
An “outstanding” Ofsted report is an amazing achievement. It propels the school to the top of the list for prospective parents. It creates a great reputation in the local area. Head teachers crave and desire it.
But getting that “outstanding” is no mean feat.
You have an inspection looming. Teachers are perfecting their lessons plans. Data is up to date. Pupils are on their best behaviour.
But what about the school facilities? The inspectors won’t be checking the washrooms. Will they?
How devastated would you feel loosing marks because of missing toilet signs? It has happened before.
Let’s be honest.
Washroom regulations might not be at the top of an inspectors tick list. But it is something they are going to check. And if your facilities aren’t up to scratch, then parents can read it in the Ofsted report.
But what mistakes are schools making?
To find out we scoured existing Ofsted reports. We looked for the common negative comments about the facilities.
Here are 6 washroom mistakes schools are making. And the simple solutions so you won’t.
1. “Not enough signs to show whether facilities were for boys or girls”
Easy. Get some male or female signs and put them where they will be visible.
2. “Water temperature from some taps was too hot”
To avoid risk of scalding 43°C is the maximum temperature for hot water. Get the caretaker to check.
3. “Insufficient paper towels and soap available in the washroom”
Create an effective washroom cleaning/inspection regime. Ensure the facilities are clean and stocked throughout the day.
4. “Inadequate arrangements for the disposal of sanitary towels”
The supply of Sanitary towel disposal units should be in all female cubicles. This applies where age appropriate in both primary and secondary schools.
5. “Pupil’s privacy was not completely maintained”
The regulations are vague on this one.
“Toilet facilities should allow for informal supervision by staff, without compromising pupils’ privacy.”
This means:
· Open plan / viewable hand washing areas are fine.
· Toilet cubicles should be out of direct view from circulation areas
· Door locks must be working
· Modesty screens can separate urinals
6. “The school failed to meet regulations for sufficiency and condition of the washrooms”
· Provide the right amount of toilets and washbasins
· Make disabled toilets accessible
· Separate staff and visitor toilets
We know it can feel overwhelming. So to help we created a handy guide. It explains everything you need to know about school washrooms. It includes current regulations, best practices, and recommends suitable products.
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