Clean School + Healthy Pupils = Happy Parents – No parent sets out to put their child in harm’s way, and going to school should always be safe for health. However, dropping children off in a dirty school environment that is not well looked after can do just that. Of course, this eventuality is never a desired outcome for any parent, but that can happen in an unkempt school and can be easily overlooked. Therefore, it’s essential for each and every school to place cleanliness as a priority. To do this, many will employ specialist commercial cleaning companies to help manage the highest standards of cleanliness. There are many benefits to having a properly maintained school for pupils and parents that will keep everyone involved happy and healthy. We’ve listed just a few below to highlight the importance of investing in environmental management.
Prevention of Illness
Children frequently are more susceptible to illness, having a smaller and, at times, weaker immune system than adults. As a result, they often pick up anything and everything going around! This susceptibility to disease increases when multiple children frequently visit cross-contamination areas. These areas often include:
- The toilets – especially if little hands are not being washed properly!
- Classrooms, particularly those hosting various groups of children throughout the day.
- Libraries and books that harbour bacteria or viruses.
- The cafeteria, where most pupils and teachers congregate at some point during the day, eating and often sharing food.
- Playgrounds where children are close together and touch surfaces one after the other.
With all these environments that can quickly transfer germs, no wonder schools are a breeding ground for bacteria and illness! In these somewhat close quarters, germs can spread and contaminate pupils and teachers. However, quality cleaning and disinfection routines implemented regularly will reduce the incidences and severity of viral and bacterial illness and limit the sharing of sickness.
Reduction of Asthma and Allergies
Allergies and asthma too are common in school environments, and a poorly cleaned school environment can increase asthma or allergic immune flare-ups or episodes and the severity of those attacks. In addition, pollen, mould, and dust mites lurk in fabrics, surfaces, and classrooms. All are common triggers, causing students difficulty concentrating and generally feeling ok, and may lead to even more severe symptoms that come with breathing issues, rashes, illness, and more. This makes maintaining a healthy school environment all the more critical for sensitive students and requires regular cleaning as a preventative measure. Every little ounce of prevention is worth pounds of cure.
Improvement of Concentration
Attempting to study in an untidy environment can cause major distractions for students when concentrating is already challenging enough! This is one distraction that can be easily avoided by keeping school premises clean in the first place. Teachers also need a hygienic workplace to enjoy their job, stay healthy and be productive to maintain student engagement while teaching. So it’s really a winner all around to keep everything clean.
Increased Attendance
A clean and healthy school environment free from dirt and pollution is vital for both students and teachers to be able to turn up to teach and learn. Less time off sick will mean both children and teachers can give their best in the learning environment, which is excellent for parents who send their children to do just that. On the other hand, chronic absenteeism can impact students’ long-term prospects and performance, and a regularly absent teacher can affect school functioning and student classes and milestones. All in all, reducing absences is excellent for all involved, ensuring learning can progress as it should.
Improved Behaviour
A tidy, clean classroom encourages respect and positivity for self, the space, and others. Everyone benefits in one way or another when the school is clean and in order, letting the focus stay on child growth, development, and learning. It also helps feelings of optimism and happiness, which is another necessary and positive outcome for achieving great academic results. Conversely, messiness can increase negative feelings and the likelihood of adverse outcomes in school.
Effective Learning
Not being able to concentrate at school will negatively impact a child’s entire learning experience, and lack of concentration can be exacerbated in an unclean or untidy environment. This also applies for teachers and other educators in the school. When the space is clean and orderly, everyone involved can concentrate more effectively on their work. Cleanliness in the classroom has the potential to significantly influence many educational areas, easily managed through improved cleanliness.
Reputational Benefits
Schools are judged by so many criteria and not just educational outcomes. One that is instant and compelling is – you guessed it – school cleanliness and hygiene. Humans are generally visual and instantly judge an educational institution on their first visit within seconds of walking in. If the school is a mess, it’s unlikely they will want to send their child there, affecting new parents wishing to enrol their child.
Less Worry For Parents
If children are happy and healthy, parents will worry less. It really is that simple. A clean school reassures parents that their children won’t be exposed to anything that can lead to sickness while at school. All most parents want is a healthy child who can focus on their studies and maintain or improve academic performance. Avoiding illness, student absenteeism, and having a bright future is made even easier when parents enrol their child in a good school that is clean, hygienic and safe.
Why Hire School Cleaning Professionals?
When you want to keep your school in tip-top condition and sparkling clean, arrange to have professionals handle every aspect. The J&I cleaning team is experienced in all aspects of school cleaning to maintain the premises and classrooms to a high level. Your dedicated team can provide everything from regular cleaning, site maintenance, deep cleaning, safety testing, and much more, depending on the school’s requirements. In addition, everything used to clean the school will be child-friendly and focused on providing a safe and clean learning environment to keep the children and parents happy!
