School winter break checklist

School winter break checklist

With the winter break fast approaching, SBMs must prepare to look after the school throughout this period. This is essential as the weather is getting colder and therefore can bring a lot of issues such as damp into the building. Plus, it’s a season where illnesses spread fast and so tackling germs during the break when no one’s there is ideal.

To assist you with maintaining cleanliness, tackling germs and preventing the cold weather from deteriorating the building, we have created a school winter break checklist that you can implement.

Prevent mould by deep cleaning the school

Due to temperatures dropping to freezing, it is important to plan a deep clean of the school during the winter break. It is easier to complete a deep clean when no one is in the building especially as it will involve using harsh chemicals to help prevent mould.

Mould and damp can bring a lot of problems if not dealt with correctly such as breathing problems. This needs to be avoided in all areas especially where students spend most of their time as it can cause health issues.

To prevent mould and damp you can deep clean walls that look already affected or showing signs of dampness with bleach. Bleach breaks down the mould and stops it from spreading by killing it. The best to use for areas like this is super thick bleach as you can dilute it or use as it is for bad areas. Plus, whatever's left can be used for the toilets.

Ensure that your staff wear gloves to keep their hands protected from the harsh chemical and use a small amount on a sponge.

Vacuum everywhere to keep clean

Winter is known for sickness and germs spreading around, especially in schools where students are mixing and bringing in germs from others in their personal lives. Whilst school is open, it can be difficult to get rid of all the bad germs and keep on top of preventing illnesses. Focusing on this during the winter break can ensure that the school is safe from germs for the new year.

Germs live everywhere especially in flooring such as thick carpets. To make sure that the school is as germ free as possible, invest in a high-quality vacuum. Make plans for staff to vacuum every flooring in the school through the winter break, even if it’s not carpet. This way germs can be picked up easily preventing illnesses in the new year.

Pay extra attention to classrooms

This step is one of the most important on our school winter break checklist. As an SBM, it is vital to make sure areas students spend most of their time in are kept clean. Allocate a large amount of time to focus on cleaning the classrooms so that when students return, they are in a safe environment. 

Wipe down desks and chairs with anti-bac spray to kill any germs. Classrooms are the main place where germs will be lurking so ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned. To help dry them after spraying stock up on paper towels as these soak up residues easily without stopping the spray from working.

Make sure that the floors are vacuumed, and windows are cleaned as well to cover all areas of each classroom.

Stock bathrooms up with cleaning facilities

Make plans for all bathrooms to be deep cleaned as well as using bleach and bathroom sprays for surfaces. Once the bathrooms are clean, fill them up with any cleaning facilities needed for the children’s return. Remember to also place a few in classrooms too such as hand sanitiser. 

Stock up on plenty of toilet tissue and place a few in each stall so that children can easily access it in the new year. You can also make sure to have hand sanitiser available in bathrooms as an option after washing hands. This will help to combat illnesses spreading through the rest of winter. Have paper towels and hand towels available to safely dry hands as well. 

Most importantly, stock up on plenty of handwash so that students can wash their hands after going to the bathroom and whenever they need to. Having this is vital in winter as handwashing needs to be encouraged to prevent the spread of germs. It is important to have lots for the new year, so you don’t run out!

Implement measurements to keep cleanliness in the new year

To ensure that your school meets a high standard of cleanliness, it is crucial for SBMs to plan and implement measures to keep on top of cleaning. This can be as simple as providing staff with small daily cleaning tasks such as wipe tables down after use. You can even plan in the next big clean with an outline on what needs to be done to prepare your staff.

Be prepared for the essentials needed to deep clean your school during the winter break. Stock up on these staples and follow our advice from our school winter break checklist. For more cleaning tips for your school read our cleaning in schools blog.