School premises managers play a vital role in keeping educational facilities clean, safe, and well-maintained. Their work directly affects the health and well-being of students and staff, as well as the overall image and reputation of the school. In this article, we’ll share some best practices for school premises managers to help them perform their jobs effectively and efficiently.
Develop a Cleaning and Maintenance Schedule
One of the most critical tasks for premises managers is to keep the school clean and well-maintained. It’s essential to create a cleaning and maintenance schedule that covers all areas of the school, including classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, and common areas. The schedule should include a list of tasks to be performed daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. Some tasks that should be included are cleaning floors, wiping down surfaces, and disinfecting high-touch areas. It’s also important to keep the schedule updated and adjust it as needed to ensure that all areas are adequately maintained.
Follow Safety Procedures
Safety should be a top priority for school premises managers. They should be familiar with the safety procedures and protocols of the school and follow them rigorously. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks when cleaning, following proper chemical handling procedures, and ensuring that all equipment is well-maintained and in good working condition.
Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is critical for premises managers to perform their job well. They should maintain open and clear communication with school administrators, teachers, and staff to understand their needs and ensure that they are met. Regular communication can also help premises managers identify potential issues before they become major problems. They should also make sure that any maintenance or cleaning schedules are communicated to the relevant parties to avoid any confusion.
Use Appropriate Equipment and Products
Premises managers should use appropriate equipment and cleaning products to perform their duties effectively. They should use equipment that is designed for the specific cleaning task, such as floor buffers or vacuums, and ensure that all equipment is well-maintained and in good working condition. They should also use cleaning products that are safe and effective for the surfaces being cleaned and avoid using products that could damage surfaces or harm the environment.
Be Proactive
Premises managers should be proactive in identifying potential issues and addressing them promptly. For example, if they notice a leak or a broken tile, they should report it immediately to the relevant person to prevent any further damage. They should also be proactive in identifying areas that need extra attention, such as high-traffic areas or areas where spills frequently occur.
In conclusion, being a school premises manager is a challenging but critical job. By following the best practices outlined in this article, premises managers can perform their duties effectively and efficiently, ensuring that the school is clean, safe, and well-maintained. By doing so, they help create a conducive learning environment for students and contribute to the overall success of the school.
To support premises staff in effectively managing school estates in a safe manner, the National Alliance of School Premises Managers (NASPM) is available. NASPM is the only national organisation dedicated to working with school premises staff, providing resources for health, safety, and estate management. We aim to establish a professional school premises standard and offer opportunities for continuous development.
If you’re interested in becoming a member of NASPM or learning more about their resources and benefits, visit https://naspm.co.uk/membership/.
