Schools often outsource cleaning because they want a reliable service without having to manage it all themselves. The school still sets the standards, budget and priorities, while the cleaning company looks after staffing, training, cover, equipment and the daily running of the contract.
That gives business managers, facilities teams and estates teams a named person to contact when something changes or needs attention.
A reliable cleaning team throughout the school year
Reliable staffing is one of the biggest advantages. If a cleaner is absent, your cleaning service provider can arrange cover and make sure the agreed work is still completed. Their team also manages rotas, products and equipment, so the school doesn’t have to chase several different people to keep the service running.
Every school should have a named Contract Manager who stays involved after the service begins. These managers should visit regularly, speak with the school and cleaning team, carry out audits and hold service reviews.
When you outsource your cleaning, you need to choose a service provider you can trust to deliver high standards of cleaning even in changing situations. You don’t to outsource the service just to end up managing it yourself anyway.
Safeguarding built into the contract
Safeguarding must be part of the service from day one. All cleaning operatives working in education settings should have enhanced DBS checks and go through strict vetting. Before starting at a school, they should complete safeguarding training which is in line with the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
Their induction should also cover cleaning skills based on BICSc-recommended processes, health and safety, chemical competence and the safe use and storage of equipment.
Outsourcing your school cleaning service does not mean compromising on safeguarding standards.
School cleaning services across the academic year
A good school cleaning plan covers the whole academic year. School cleaning services can include the regular cleaning of classrooms, corridors, toilets, dining areas, staff rooms and shared spaces, along with laboratories, sports halls and libraries where required.
During school holidays, cleaning teams can complete enhanced and deep cleaning, and they can also arrange window cleaning, high-level cleaning and kitchen deep cleaning. Keeping these services with one provider means fewer separate visits and fewer companies for the school to manage.
By outsourcing your school cleaning service, all facilities management services can be delivered by a single provider. No more worrying about squeezing in various service providers around an already tight timeline.
Better use of the cleaning budget
Outsourcing gives schools a clearer picture of what their cleaning budget covers. Staffing, absence cover, training, supervision, equipment and specialist work can all sit within one service. It also means school leaders spend less time arranging cover, ordering products or following up jobs that haven’t been completed.
It’s important to look at the building, how its rooms are used and the work needed across a normal week before recommending cleaning hours. The aim should be to allow enough time to complete the agreed work properly without the school being asked to pay for hours it doesn’t need. This way, learning providers can maximise already tight budgets.
Find a school cleaning service provider that’s right for you
The right cleaning company should make life easier for the school, keep standards high, and be easy to speak to when something changes. It should also provide a team that knows the site and takes pride in doing the job properly.
If you are considering outsourced school cleaning services, visit the Kindred team at stand L28 or get in touch to arrange a conversation about your site. We can review your current arrangements and recommend a professional cleaning plan that works for your buildings, pupils and staff.
