Department For Education School Toilet Regulations

07/26/2024

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    What is the Department for Education?

    The Department for Education is responsible for overseeing education and children’s services. As a part of this, it ensures schools are upholding their responsibility for children’s education and welfare. This includes setting guidelines and standards for school washroom and toilet facilities.

    We refer to these guidelines in order to support architects with the installation of washrooms in schools.

    DfE Regulations: At A Glance

    Washrooms should be suitable for the number, age, and sex of pupils, as well as any additional requirements of users.

    At a glance, plans should incorporate the following in order to be DfE compliant:

    • Separate toilet facilities are provided for boys and girls aged 8 years or over, unless the toilet can be secured from the inside and is intended for one pupil at a time.
    • Changing accommodation and showers are available for pupils aged 11 years or older who participate in physical education.

    They should be created and installed with the following guidelines in mind:

    Number of Fittings

    Regulations don't specify a minimum number of fittings; however, this can be calculated based on the ages and numbers of pupils:

    • For children under 5 years old, one toilet and washbasin for every ten pupils would be appropriate.
    • This ratio can be doubled for pupils aged 5-11, with one toilet and washbasin for every 20 pupils.
    • For students over 11, one toilet per 20 pupils is sufficient, with the option to reduce the number of washbasins if washing facilities are shared.

    General Planning

    In your general planning, the location and layout of washrooms should make access convenient and obvious for pupils, while also allowing for informal supervision by staff.

    Whilst washroom supervision is important, the toilet cubicles should offer privacy for pupils. This can be achieved through adequate enclosure and full-height doors. Privacy can also be ensured through the use of Superloos, which allow for single occupancy by either sex.

    Further account for sufficient ventilation and lighting systems, so that the washrooms can be used safely and minimise the build-up of mould, mildew, and odours.

    Finally, plan for the availability of hand washing facilities within or near every toilet.

    Facilities for Disabled Pupils

    Accessible toilets should be provided with a toilet, washbasin, and hand drying facilities as a minimum; they can also include a shower or wash-down fitting.

    These facilities must be easily accessed by users with sufficient manoeuvring space; for ambulant disabled toilet cubicles, a minimum width of 800mm and depth of 1500mm is sufficient, with a minimum width of 800mm between surfaces.

    Wheelchair-accessible cubicles should have a depth of 2200mm and width of 1500mm.

    Additionally, doors to the washrooms must open directly onto a circulation space that is not a staircase.

    It is recommended that the number and location of accessible toilets allow for reasonable travel distance that does not involve changing floor levels.

    Changing Accommodation and Showers for Pupils

    Changing accommodation should be provided in secondary schools and higher education where students are participating in physical education. It is not required, but can be provided, in primary schools.

    Where changing accommodation is provided, DfE guidelines suggest that they are separated from toilets and provide adequate privacy.

    Toilets and Washing Facilities for Staff

    Regulations for staff facilities are set out in Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations.

    Staff toilets and washrooms should be readily accessible, with separate facilities for men and women except where the toilet is designated for single occupancy use and can be locked from the inside.

    Washrooms should be adequately lit and ventilated.

    Other Important Considerations

    Other considerations when planning school washrooms include:

    • Washrooms have adequate sanitary disposal facilities, and provide sufficient hand washing and drying supplies such as soap and paper towels.
    • Ensuring washrooms are properly signed.
    • Washrooms provide adequate privacy.

    Compliant Toilet Cubicles for Schools

    Excelsior works alongside architects to manufacture and install school washrooms and toilets.

    We offer a number of washroom ranges suitable for nurseries, primary and secondary schools, and higher education facilities.

    Take a look at:

    • The Harlequin Mariner. Available in Compact Solid Grade Laminate in a range of colours and digital print designs, suitable for nurseries through to Key Stages 3 and 4.
    • Harlequin Peardrop. The Harlequin Peardrop is suitable for young children, and is manufactured in High-Pressure Laminate as standard or Solid Grade Laminate upon request
    • Skyline Range. A full-height system, available in Compact Solid Grade Laminate and High-Pressure Laminate, offering increased privacy for secondary schools and higher education.
    • Mariner Range. Designed for harsh environments, the Mariner Range provides increased resistance to vandalism and water for long-lasting results.

    Read More...

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