Cuts to cleaning seen in 80 per cent of Scottish schools

Scottish education union the EIS has published the findings of a survey on the impact of cuts to school cleaning services 

The survey of almost 700 schools across Scotland found that 80% of schools have seen a reduction in the frequency or quality of cleaning due to budget cuts over the past three years.

It found that many schools report no cleaning at all is carried out on some days and that pupils' desks, classroom sinks, and other shared surfaces are not cleaned or not cleaned regularly.

Toilets are not cleaned regularly, and toilet rolls, soaps and drying materials not replenished frequently enough, the survey found.

What's more, the survey found that in some cases floors are not cleaned even if muddy; bins not emptied; vomit and other bodily fluids not cleaned up effectively.

Cleaners are provided with cheaper ineffective cleaning products, or even just water, to clean wit hand are allocated too little time to clean each room effectively. there is also no absence cover provided when cleaners are off sick.

Commenting, EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan said: "The results of this survey make for worrying reading. Schools simply must be properly cleaned on a daily basis to ensure an appropriate learning and teaching environment for pupils and staff."

"Cuts to cleaning services are placing a great deal of strain on cleaning staff, in some instances forcing teachers to undertake cleaning of classrooms, and creating an environment where germs and disease can spread rapidly and with serious repercussions for the health of pupils and staff."

"This can lead to increases in pupil and teacher absence, with a detrimental impact on both wellbeing and on learning and teaching. Recent incidences such as major outbreaks of norovirus and infestations of insects or rodents in schools have further highlighted the consequences of cutting back on proper cleaning within our schools."