Choosing the right cleaning company for schools is a big decision, and it can have a lasting impact on the safety, health, and overall learning environment of your educational facility. Whether you’re responsible for a primary school, secondary academy, nursery, or multi-site trust, the stakes are high when it comes to cleanliness and hygiene.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what truly matters when hiring a school cleaning partner. From compliance and credentials to communication and customisation, you’ll learn what questions to ask, what red flags to avoid, and why your choice of provider matters more than ever.
What Makes School Cleaning Different from General Commercial Cleaning?
You might think cleaning a school is similar to cleaning an office or shop – but it isn’t. Schools are complex, high-footfall environments that require a much more detailed, compliance-led approach. Unlike standard commercial cleaning, schools must consider:
- Varying age groups (and their differing hygiene standards)
- Safeguarding and child protection concerns
- Learning materials, shared surfaces, and high-contact areas
- Term-time versus holiday schedules
- OFSTED standards for cleanliness, organisation, and safety
In short, a cleaning company for schools needs more than just mops and buckets. They need insight, training, and flexibility to work within active learning environments without disrupting them.
What To Look For
When it comes to choosing a cleaning partner, not every commercial cleaner is equipped for the job. Here’s what to prioritise:
Are the Staff DBS-Checked and Safeguarding Compliant?
Safety comes first – always. It’s essential that every cleaner on site has been DBS-checked (Enhanced level) and has undergone safeguarding training. Reputable companies will have strict vetting procedures in place and provide you with confirmation of their staff’s compliance.
Do They Understand Education Sector Standards?
It’s not enough to clean well; your provider must understand what OFSTED expects to see. This includes providing:
- Transparent cleaning logs and schedules
- Evidence of hygiene protocols
- Readiness for spot-checks or inspections
- Industry insights and tips for deep cleaning in schools
What Type of Training Do Their Teams Receive?
Quality control depends on the skill and consistency of the cleaning team. Ask about:
- Infection control training (especially important post-COVID)
- Equipment handling and COSHH compliance
- Use of eco-friendly and child-safe products
- Specialist skills for floor care, carpet cleaning, or sanitisation
Do They Offer Flexible & Tailored Services?
The best cleaning providers understand that no two schools are the same. You should expect a service that adapts to:
- Term-time and holiday schedules
- Exam season and parent evenings
- Emergency cleans after illness outbreaks
- Budget changes and multi-site coordination
Whether you need ongoing support or one-off deep cleaning services for schools, flexibility is key.
6 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a School Cleaning Provider
- Are all staff enhanced DBS-checked and fully vetted?
- Can you provide testimonials or references from other schools?
- Do you offer on-site supervision or quality assurance visits?
- What happens if a cleaner is absent or unavailable?
- Are cleaning materials provided, and are they safe for children?
- Can your service scale across multiple locations if required?
These questions can help you separate the truly experienced from the rest.
Why As New Cleaning Services Is a Top Choice for Oxford Schools
At As New Cleaning Services, we’re not just another cleaner — we’re a local partner trusted by schools across Oxfordshire since 2004. Our experience spans:
- Primary, secondary, and SEND settings
- Multi-site MATs and academies
- Community education centres and nurseries
Our team is:
- Fully enhanced DBS-checked and uniformed
- Available 24/7 for out-of-hours and holiday cleans
- OFSTED-aware and proactive about compliance
- Trained in safe, eco-friendly cleaning practices
We also provide dedicated account management, transparent reporting, and the ability to quickly adapt to your site’s changing needs. When schools trust us with their cleaning, they know they’re getting consistency, safety, and real value.
Ready to Make the Right Choice?
If you’re responsible for keeping your school safe, healthy, and inspection-ready, now is the time to partner with a cleaning company that understands your world.
Let As New Cleaning Services help you raise the standard – without raising your stress levels.
