Bad behaviour unfortunately remains a major challenge faced by schools – as a brief glance at the wealth of recent coverage on the national news will tell you – and this has led to innovative design solutions to tackle the problem. Manufacturers such as Altro are working closely with schools to 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, is 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.
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. The provision of robust sanitary ware, full height partitioning with functioning door locks, adequate ventilation and hand washing facilities, are also essential. Some schools have even worked on overall ambience with music and art displays.
It’s vital that we work together to deliver toilets that are accessible and pleasant to use throughout the school day. Combining practicality with good design in this area will encourage good behaviour and the overall health and well being of our children.
For further information on creating well designed school toilets, call Altro on 0800 018 2960 or visit www.altro.com
