(Guide) Minimising disruption during term-time washroom refurbishments
It can be easier to refurbish school washrooms during the holidays however, it is very possible to undertake a washroom refurbishment during term time without too much disruption.
In this article, we’ll explore how we navigate challenges while working within a live school setting, using our 25 years experience.
“A great project which took place during term time. All trades were polite, hardworking and considerate and it kept to the scheduled timetable. The experience Focus have from working in so many schools helped make this a simple and painless exercise.”
Pupil safeguarding
Our teams are all DBS checked, with most taking an enhanced check. We also update you as to who will be on site and when. Protecting pupils and staff from construction hazards is of paramount importance. We achieve this by safely segregating work areas from the live school environment. Temporary barriers, clear signage, and restricted locked access points are utilised to ensure that ongoing construction does not pose a risk to the school community.
Efficient routes and safe travel
One of the first steps in minimising disruption is to establish efficient routes for the refurbishment team to move around the school safely. Liaising with you, we identify the most convenient and least disruptive pathways and access points. This strategy reduces the impact on pupils and staff by ensuring that the team avoids high-traffic areas and navigates the school with minimal disturbance.
Collaboration with school
We make sure you receive impeccable customer service throughout your refurbishment and one of the ways we do that is to regularly update you as to progress. You’ll receive updates on work taking place, who will be on site and anything we need from you. It also means we can address any concerns or schedule adjustments too in a swift and professional manner ensuring that the project runs smoothly and efficiently.
Comprehensive site survey
Before starting the refurbishment, we work with the school to carry out comprehensive site surveys. These surveys help identify potential challenges and constraints, such as the location of water / electricity lines, structural elements, asbestos and any unique requirements of the school. This information allows us to develop a tailored project plan, which takes into account the specific needs and limitations of the school environment.
Out-of-teaching-hours work and noise management
To reduce disruptions such as noise and water cut off during school hours, we schedules particularly disruptive tasks for non-teaching periods. As a result, activities like drilling, cutting, and demolition occur outside of regular school hours, significantly lessening their impact on the learning environment.
Delivery scheduling
Careful planning of deliveries is crucial to avoiding disruption during peak school hours. As we manufacture all larger laminate products and hold a large stock of sanitaryware and fixtures, we use our own transport to ensure that materials and equipment arrive outside of busy times, such as morning drop-offs or afternoon pick-ups.
Conclusion
By prioritising safety, minimising disruption, and working closely with the school, Focus Washrooms has established itself as a leader in term time school washroom refurbishment. By implementing these strategies, we ensure that each project is completed efficiently and with minimal impact on the school. Contact us today if you’d like any further information or would like to arrange a free site survey.