Why School Cleaning Has Unique Requirements
School cleaning in the UK is governed by several key frameworks including the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999, COSHH Regulations 2002, and the Ofsted inspection framework.
While Ofsted does not publish a standalone cleaning checklist, inspectors do assess whether schools maintain a safe and hygienic environment as part of their overall safeguarding and premises judgements. Poor cleaning standards can affect your inspection outcome.
Research by the Department of Education shows that pupil attendance is directly linked to health and wellbeing. Schools with consistent cleaning standards see lower illness-related absences.
DBS Checks Are a Legal Requirement
Any cleaning operative working in a school must hold a current enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before starting work. This is a statutory requirement under safeguarding legislation.
When choosing a school cleaning company, always confirm that DBS checks are carried out as standard for every member of their team. At Aston Commercial Cleaning this is a non-negotiable part of our onboarding process.
What a Professional School Cleaning Contract Should Cover
- Daily classroom cleaning including desks, chairs, floors, and high-touch surfaces such as door handles and light switches
- Corridor and communal area cleaning
- Canteen and kitchen cleaning to food hygiene standards
- Washroom cleaning and restocking, with additional visits during the school day for high-traffic periods
- Staff room and office cleaning
- Regular window and external area cleaning
- Scheduled holiday deep cleans to reset the building between terms
The Importance of Holiday Deep Cleans
Term-time cleaning keeps the school maintained day to day, but a proper deep clean during the school holidays is essential for areas that cannot be thoroughly cleaned while pupils are on site. This includes kitchen equipment and extraction systems, stripping and resealing hard floors, carpet cleaning, thorough washroom disinfection, and cleaning behind and underneath furniture.
A well-planned holiday deep clean means every new term starts in the best possible condition.
Flexible Scheduling That Works Around Your School
Cleaning needs to happen outside of school hours in most cases. Early mornings before staff arrive, evenings after the school day ends, and full holiday periods are all standard scheduling options. A professional cleaning company should be able to accommodate your timetable without any disruption to pupils or staff.
Choosing a School Cleaning Company in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
If your school is in Aylesbury, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, or the surrounding areas, look for a company with direct experience in educational settings, a clear DBS policy, and evidence of consistent quality.
Not sure what else to look for? Read our guide on how to choose a commercial cleaning company for a full breakdown.
Aston Commercial Cleaning and School Cleaning
We provide daily cleaning contracts and holiday deep cleans for schools across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. All of our staff are fully vetted, DBS checked, and covered by our public liability insurance. As a Real Living Wage Employer we have a stable, motivated team who know your site and maintain the same high standard at every visit.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote and we will put together a cleaning programme tailored to your school.
📞 01296 841018
🌐 astonclean.co.uk
