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Ask the Union

Q

I’ve heard that the Government is lowering standards for school premises. Is this true and what exactly will it mean for schools?

A

It is true, but only in local authority schools in England. Existing standards will be retained in Wales. Academies and other independent schools, which are already covered by a different set of standards, are likely to be subject to the new watered-down standards from January 2013.

One of the key areas where standards are being lowered is in relation to heating. Currently the minimum temperature for areas of the school where there are normal levels of activity is 18°C. As of 31 October this regulation has been removed and schools are subject to the same minimum temperature as other workplaces, ie 16°C.

The new regulations also contain no requirement for a staffroom or a head teacher’s room. Although we would not expect existing facilities to be withdrawn from use, there are serious long-term implications for new buildings or where premises are remodelled.

The NUT argued forcefully against these changes, as did many other organisations, but the Government decided to press ahead anyway.

There are also implications for pupils in the new set of regulations. From the end of October there has been no minimum ratio of pupil toilets or wash basins, based on pupil age. Again, this does not mean existing facilities will be downgraded, but NUT members in England should be alert to such a possibility where refurbishments are taking place, or in new-builds, and argue for the retention of the old standards.

We applaud the decision of the Welsh Government to stick with the existing regulations. As on other issues, the Welsh Government is showing it is far more mindful of the importance of good conditions for both pupils and teachers. 

Separate guidance on standards for school premises in England and Wales is available from the health and safety section of the NUT website at www.teachers.org.uk/node/12548.

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