Fortunately, manufacturers such as Altro are working closely with schools to come up with innovative design solutions to address the school toilet challenge and help create inspiring, practical learning environments where pupils will thrive.
Numerous studies have established a clear link between the school environment and pupil behaviour, and the design and cleanliness of school toilets are no exception. "Unless the basic physiological needs of the body are met, the brain cannot function on higher tasks such as learning," said behavioural psychologist, Abraham Maslow. In other words, pupils are unable to learn to their full potential if they are cold, hungry or need to go the loo!
Good toilet design and high standards of maintenance can go a long way to reducing or eradicating problems such as bullying and vandalism. Toilets that pupils can be proud of have also been proven to be an effective step towards reducing rates of absenteeism, boosting self-esteem, improving relations between pupils and teachers, and encouraging willingness and ability to learn.
When Winnington Park Community Primary School in Northwich refurbished its boys' and girls' toilet areas, Altro's colourful package of Walkway safety flooring and Whiterock wall cladding not only provided easy to maintain, attractive surfaces, but also had a marked effect on pupils' behaviour.
Christine Norman, head teacher, said, "We now have facilities that are both efficient and attractive. Children were telling us that they used to avoid using our old toilets, which was a huge concern for their health and well-being. We now have beautifully designed and easily maintained toilet facilities that children actually show off when we have visitors because they are so proud of them.''
Caretaker, Keith Whalley, was equally impressed: "As well as looking great, both the floor and wall coverings are easy to keep clean and will maintain a high level of hygiene, particularly important in children's toilets. Altro Whiterock is smooth and seamless, meaning there are no joints for dirt and bacteria to build up in. Our cleaning teams are as pleased as the children."
In fact, recognition of the importance of well designed school toilets has led to the creation of clear guidance that all schools can follow to make improvements in their own facilities.
Firstly, The Bog Standard campaign was launched in 2004 by the charitable organization Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence. Its key aims are to increase awareness of the health benefits of better toilets, encourage schools to improve facilities and introduce laws to drive improvements.
Secondly, guidance on the standard specifications for toilets in the Building Schools for the Future programme sets out performance standards and shows how they might be delivered. The guidance covers new design and refurbishments and the government expects it to be adopted in the majority of situations. Such design considerations include:
- Meeting HSE requirements to provide a slip resistant floor surface. In all locations where floors may be wet, a floor covering with a minimum Slip Resistance Value (SRV) of 36 is now clearly recommended. Also consider the floor covering outside the toilets - could water get to this area and present a slip problem? Consider a new generation safety floor such as Altro Mirica for general circulation areas.
- It is also considered necessary to specify flooring that complies with or exceeds this requirement throughout its working life if safety levels are to be maintained. Beware of factory finished coatings which often wear off after a few months. A properly maintained Altro safety floor is one way to comply with this requirement.
- Sound detailing for thresholds, drain outlets, up stands and coved skirting. This will provide added life and easier cleaning to the whole installation.
- What DDA requirements have to be met, i.e. colour differential? Altro offers an innovative design and cut flooring service so that compliance with the DDA regulations is not a compromise. The new service allows schools to create their own personalised design or pick from the broad range already on offer.
- Improved lighting with possibly wall mounted fixtures or well designed vanity units, will create a more modern, friendly environment.
- Move away from ceramic wall tiles to a more durable wall cladding system that will not crack or have the inherent grouting problems, open to dirt retention and associated health hazards. The choice of impervious, joint free and easy to clean floor and wall finishes, such as Altro safety flooring and Whiterock wall cladding, will ensure there is no ingress of spillages into or beneath the surface to cause build up of dirt, stains, bacteria or smells.
For further information on creating well designed school toilets, call Altro on 01462 707 600 or visit http://www.altro.com/
