A safe and clean environment is crucial in any educational facility. With numerous pupils, staff, and visitors moving through school premises every day, maintaining cleanliness goes beyond mere appearances and is essential for promoting health and well-being. However, achieving and maintaining high cleanliness standards requires expertise and resources that may not always be available in-house. This is where professional cleaning companies come into play. In this guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when selecting the right professional cleaning company for your school.
A Service that fits the needs of your School Environment
Before you begin the process of selecting the right cleaning company, it is important to evaluate your school’s specific cleaning requirements as much as possible. Consider factors such as the size of your school, the number of classrooms, common areas, sports facilities, washroom facilities, etc, and the number of weeks per annum that a cleaning service is required. By identifying your school’s specific cleaning needs, you can narrow down your options and communicate effectively with potential cleaning service providers. An experienced professional cleaning company can help to guide you on the service that is required to add the best value.
Cleaning Company Experience
Always verify the credentials and experience of the potential cleaning service providers to ensure that they have the expertise and experience for this specialist sector. A professional cleaning company with the right experience in the education sector will have a proven track record, be able to demonstrate industry-recognised qualifications and provide proof of liability insurance. It is imperative that the cleaning service provider carries out DBS checks on all staff, has experience with Local Government Pension Schemes (LGPS) and understands the TUPE Process. It is also important that they hold relevant industry accreditations such as ISO Certifications, SafeContractor, and Samsung, which will demonstrate their professionalism.
Cleaning Processes and Cleaning Products
There are industry standards for professional cleaning, especially concerning schools and other educational institutions. Ensure your potential cleaning provider complies with legislation; they need to be able to demonstrate providing accurate COSHH Information (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), method statements, and apply colour coding throughout the school to prevent cross-contamination. It is positive for the school and the planet to use environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Staff Training
The cleaning staff responsible for your school should be well-trained, professional, and trustworthy. At a minimum, staff training should include, but not be limited to, BICSc Task/ Method, Infection Control, Health & Safety, COSHH, Colour Coding and Equipment Care. They should also carry out an Environmental Aspects and Impacts Assessment to reduce the environmental impact of the service and train and educate all employees regarding the environmental policy.
References
Before deciding, ask the cleaning company for references from other schools or educational institutions where they already provide cleaning services and look for longevity of service. An experienced professional cleaning services company will have references available for you to contact. This will allow you to speak with someone in the educational sector about their experiences with the cleaning company, including their level of satisfaction, reliability, and responsiveness to issues.
Compare Pricing Proposals from a Like-for-Like Perspective
Cost is inevitably a factor in the decision-making process but try not to let it be the single determining factor. When comparing pricing proposals from different cleaning companies, ensure you are comparing like-for-like in terms of services offered. It is important to review terms and conditions carefully, paying particular attention to cancellation policies, renewal clauses, and any hidden fees.
Albany Cleaning Solutions has provided cleaning services to schools and educational facilities of all types and sizes for over 21 years. We are trusted to clean schools in Cardiff, Bristol, and across South Wales and the Southwest, delivering outstanding quality cleaning at a competitive price.
Our superior school cleaning service offers.
- Exceptional School Cleaning
- Customised Cleaning Packages
- Dedicated School Cleaning Management Experts
- Regular Quality Audits
- Uniformed Staff
- DBS Cleared and Fully Vetted Cleaning Teams
- Flexible Cleaning Schedules Designed Around Your Needs
If you would like Albany Cleaning Solutions to review the cleaning service for you, we recommend a thorough cleaning survey of all areas and a discussion of your requirements, allowing us to appreciate your requirements thoroughly and understand your past and present challenges. Cleaning surveys are 100% free to you. Please email tim@albanycleaning.co.uk, phone us on 029 2294 0475 or complete our online form.
