Beyond the Classroom: Essential Building Maintenance for a Safe School Environment
A school is far more than just a collection of classrooms. It’s a dynamic ecosystem, a hub of learning, creativity, and development where the physical environment plays a crucial role in safeguarding students and staff.
For Facilities Managers, Estates Managers, and Head Teachers, half term is the critical window of opportunity to address essential building maintenance. It’s a good time to move beyond the day-to-day fixes and ensure every part of the building is safe, compliant, and ready for the return of students, after a successful and busy summer closure period, plan ahead and get your October half term works scheduled now.
At FPM Facility Services, we have spent 25 years helping schools across the UK navigate these unique pressures.
This article explores the vital building maintenance areas that must be prioritised to ensure a seamless and safe start to the new academic year.
The Unique Pressures of School Maintenance
Schools are subject to some of the most intense operational demands of any commercial property. High foot traffic, constant use of facilities, and a diverse range of on-site equipment, from complex science lab installations, washroom facilities and busy catering kitchens, means wear and tear is relentless.
Furthermore, the paramount duty of care to children and young people elevates every health and safety consideration to the highest level.
This creates a perfect storm of challenges, often making a reactive “fix-it-when-it-breaks” approach unsustainable. Instead, a proactive, strategic approach is essential, particularly during the school closures.
This period offers the chance to carry out critical works without disrupting the learning environment, addressing issues that are simply impossible to tackle during term time.
Essential Maintenance Areas to Address
Here are some of the most critical maintenance areas that require attention to ensure your school is compliant, always.
1. Electrical Systems and Safety
The electrical infrastructure is the backbone of any modern school, powering everything from IT suites and security systems to fire alarms and kitchen equipment.
- Fixed Wire Testing (EICR): A full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a fundamental compliance check. It assesses the safety and condition of your building’s fixed wiring and installations.
- Emergency Lighting: All emergency lights must be fully operational and tested regularly. A power cut could quickly become a major safety risk without properly functioning emergency lighting.
- PAT Testing: Ensuring all portable appliances, from classroom projectors to staffroom kettles, are safe and in good working order is a key part of your compliance obligations.
- Upgrades and Repairs: School closures are the ideal time to upgrade to energy-efficient LED lighting, repair damaged sockets or switches, and ensure all electrical systems are ready for another year of heavy use.
2. Fire Safety Systems
A school’s fire safety measures are non-negotiable. Proactive maintenance during the break ensures all systems are fully functional when students and staff return.
- Fire Alarm System Servicing: A full service and test of the fire alarm system, including all panels and smoke detectors, ensures it is ready to respond in an emergency.
- Fire Doors and Exits: Inspect all fire doors for correct closing, check for damaged seals, and ensure all fire escape routes are clear and accessible.
- Extinguisher Checks: Verify that all fire extinguishers are correctly located, and in date.
3. Water Hygiene and Legionella Control
Stagnant water in pipework can increase the risk of Legionella bacteria. A thorough flush and check of all water systems is a crucial safety measure.
- System Flushing: All taps, showers, and other water outlets should be flushed to clear any stagnant water.
- Temperature Monitoring: Ensure water temperatures in your system are at levels that prevent Legionella growth.
- Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) Servicing: A properly working TMV prevents scalding from hot water and should be serviced regularly.
4. Building Fabric and General Maintenance
The physical condition of the building itself is vital for safety, comfort, and compliance.
- Roof and Guttering: Inspect the roof for any damaged tiles or leaks and clear all guttering and downpipes to prevent water ingress during the upcoming wetter months.
- Windows and Doors: Check all windows and doors for proper function, security, and sealing. Draughts can lead to significant heat loss and increased energy costs in the winter.
- Flooring and Pathways: Repair any broken or uneven flooring, paving slabs, or pathways to prevent trips and falls.
Our Approach to School Maintenance
At FPM Facility Services, our approach is built on a quarter-century of expertise and a deep understanding of the unique demands of the education sector. We don’t just offer a checklist of services, we provide a strategic partnership to ensure your school’s physical environment is safe, compliant, and well-maintained.
Our directly employed, in-house team of qualified electricians and multi-skilled engineers allows us to provide a comprehensive and reliable service.
We manage everything from complex electrical works and compliance testing to minor fabric repairs, ensuring a single point of contact and consistent, high-quality work.
We pride ourselves on being flexible, working around your school’s schedule to minimise any disruption and deliver our services during the optimal time, like half term breaks.
The Clock Is Ticking: It’s Not Too Late to Get Ready
With the next half term only around 8 weeks away, the window to get essential maintenance and compliance work done is narrowing.
While it may feel like you’re running out of time, it’s not too late. Now is the moment to get critical works in the diary.
If you’re a Facilities Manager, Estates Manager, or Head Teacher facing a list of urgent maintenance needs, we invite you to get in touch with us.
We can quickly assess your needs and deploy our expert team to get essential works completed, providing the peace of mind you need for a smooth and successful start to the new term.
