What do School Toilets need to Have?

When planning to refurbish your school toilets, it’s not the same as redesigning any ordinary or dream bathroom. Children and young people have specific needs and preferences that must be met. Schools must follow certain regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance, but there are also other factors to consider when designing a school washroom. These include hygiene, privacy, comfort, room shape and more. 

Refurbishing school toilets should go beyond basic, low-quality fixtures, fittings and floors. A well-designed school bathroom should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing to create a safe environment for students. To help you make the most of your school toilet refurbishment, Cubicle Warehouse offers a handy guide on toilet cubicles, layout and more.

Toilet Cubicles and Facilities

The Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme is the UK Government’s scheme for setting standards for school facilities. This programme provides specifications for toilet cubicles and facilities, including the ideal layout and dimensions for different age groups. These standards also consider how many toilet cubicles and washbasins are necessary for the number of students using the facilities.

Here’s a basic guideline to follow when planning your school toilets:

Age            No. of Toilets            No. of Washbasins

Under 5     1 for every 10 pupils        1 per toilet

5-11           1 for every 20 pupils        1 per toilet

11+            1 for every 20 pupils        1 per toilet,

To learn more about this, check out our ‘How to Plan School Toilets’ blog post.

Planning and Configuring

When refurbishing school toilets the layout plays a key role in improving behaviour, comfort, and accessibility. To discourage negative behaviour, consider using multiple smaller blocks of toilet cubicles rather than one large central block. This layout change helps to:

• Discourage negative behaviour and bullying.
• Decrease the time pupils spend in the toilet.
• Reduce cleaning and maintenance disruptions.

Larger groups of students are more likely to gather and engage in unwanted behaviour when they are left unsupervised in large spaces. By adjusting the design, you can encourage positive behaviour and ensure the safety and well-being of all students. When designing nursery toilets, these factors do not need to be considered in as much depth. 

Opting for durable materials such as stainless steel ensures that the toilet cubicles and fixtures can withstand daily wear and tear. Stainless steel brackets along with other strong materials like aluminium, help ensure that the cubicles you install last for many years.

Traditionally schools have used the lengthy summer holidays to refurbish their school toilets. This may seem as if it is the perfect time. After all, there is much lower footfall and it may be easier for fitters and staff to get around the school. However, this is not the only time of year that is appropriate to refurbish school bathrooms. Skilled fitters can complete a refurbishment throughout the year, meaning if it is inconvenient to use the summer holidays, we can still complete a refurb.

When Should I Refurbish School Toilets?

While many schools choose to refurbish their school toilets during the summer holidays when foot traffic is low, this is not the only time of year that is suitable. Refurbishing can be done year-round by skilled fitters. If summer is not convenient, you can still complete your refurbishment at any other time of the year.

How Often Should I Refurbish My School’s Toilets?

The frequency of refurbishing school washrooms depends on several factors, including how often the facilities are used and the number of pupils attending the school. On average, school toilets should be refurbished every 10-15 years. 

Toilet cubicles made with materials such as satin anodised aluminium tend to last longer and maintain their appearance better. However, proper installation is equally important for ensuring longevity and durability to bathrooms. 

Trends in School Toilet Design

Although schools may not be driven by trends in the same way that domestic interior design is, there are still notable shifts in school toilet design. One growing trend is the introduction of unisex school toilets, which require extra attention to privacy and safety. In these spaces, it is essential that toilet cubicles are full height and fully enclosed to maintain confidentiality and prevent any issues.

Another trend is the introduction of more colourful walls and IPS panels. Traditional, drab toilets are being replaced by modern, vibrant spaces that appeal to students and help create a positive atmosphere.

Cubicle Warehouse offers a full range of brightly coloured cubicles that are perfect for schools. Our modesty screens come in various colours to match any design style you choose, adding to the aesthetic appeal of your school washroom while enhancing privacy.

Why Choose Cubicle Warehouse 

Refurbishing your school toilets is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s an investment in student health, comfort, and behaviour. A well-planned toilet refurbishment with careful attention to hygiene, privacy and layout, can greatly enhance the overall experience for students. With the right materials like durable toilet cubicles and a focus on the latest design trends, you can create a safe, comfortable space for your pupils.

To discover more about our range of school bathroom products and solutions, contact our sales team or visit our website. We offer expert advice to help you create the best school washroom environment for your students.