School image is important. But impressive entrance halls, vibrant classroom displays, and well-presented students are only part of the picture – clean and tidy toilets are crucial too.
Problem is, this is where many schools are guilty of turning a blind eye, as refurbishing this space is overlooked in favour of spending elsewhere.
We get it. Budgets are tight. But the impact of a clean, safe toilet environment shouldn’t be underestimated.
Not only do better toilets increase hygiene levels and help to reduce school absences, they also impact heavily on the enjoyment of everyday school life. With the power to boost well-being, confidence and independence in students.
Not sure if your school toilets make the grade? Here M&P Fittings, specialists in toilet cubicles and hardware, highlight key elements all school toilets should aim for.
School toilet checklist
1. Privacy
Important for all ages but particularly so for older pupils. Lockable cubicles with safe, easy to use lock systems that don’t jam.
How old are your cubicles? Has replacing broken locks and hinges damaged the panels and left holes? If students are forced to stuff toilet paper into small holes to feel comfortable using the facilities, it’s time you looked at replacement cubicles.
2. Safety
The ability to lock doors is important, but so too is the safety of pupils.
Stiff, difficult locks are unacceptable. Instead, you need smooth, easy locking systems. Ideally, look for locks that allow emergency access – without causing damage – in the event of a problem. The revolutionary Burstcatch is perfect for this. Automatically releasing when excessive pressure is applied, it provides a secure locking system whilst reducing the risk of vandalism and increasing student safety.
3. Easy maintenance
School life is busy, and toilets are in constant use. Keeping on top of cleaning is a never-ending task, which is why ensuring maintenance is as quick and easy as possible is hugely worthwhile.
Vanity units can be a great way to hide away unattractive pipework. Not only does this boost the aesthetics, it protects pipes from damage and streamlines cleaning by reducing the nooks and crannies germs and bacteria can hide in.
4. Odour control
There’s nothing more off-putting than a pongy toilet. Yet even clean bathrooms can start to smell if they’re in constant use.
To combat this, if there’s a window, make it common practice to keep it ajar during the school day to allow air to ventilate.
If that’s not possible, consider investing in an automatic air freshener. This will help diffuse odours at regular intervals and keep the air smelling fresh.
5. Storage
Ok, so leaving spare toilet rolls around isn’t advisable where kids are, but supplies do need to be on hand to ensure the basics don’t run out.
Lockable vanity units can be a great way to add storage to school toilets. If a routine check reveals supplies are running low, it’s a two-minute job to top up, rather than a 5-minute traipse to the storeroom and back.
6. Style
This may not strike you as an immediate concern but why shouldn’t toilets be every bit as attractive as other areas of the school? After all, everyone visits them.
Whether you’re looking for budget cubicles or something a little more premier, you’ll find a great range of colours on the market, meaning you can easily customise the look and feel of your bathroom space.
Why not opt for school colours? Or for younger pupils, jazz things up with vibrant primary shades? Toilets don’t have to be boring!
Improve your school toilets
Now is a great time to start thinking about revamping your school toilets. With the summer holidays approaching, you can factor in work while students aren’t present, minimising any disruption.
Alternatively, if you’ve identified a number of quick fixes that could help to improve things right now – replacement locks, hinges etc – then why wait?
With fast and free delivery on all orders over £200, and no minimum spend, whether you want to enhance one toilet of the entire school’s, we can help.
Start shopping now or get in touch to discuss your requirements in more detail with a member of the team.