Lessons in school washrooms through the ages

In washrooms, as in life, one size doesn't necessarily fit all, particularly when it comes to the design of school sanitary areas. At Interfix, we have the experience and skills in washroom refurbishment to tailor any project to an end-user's requirements. Our design of school washrooms provides a good example of the bespoke approach we're able to take for each installation, regardless of size or location.

Primary and secondary school washroom refurbishment differs in a number of ways, as each requires considerations relating to the age of the end-user. For instance, secondary school washrooms should contain much tougher fixtures and fittings. The reason being, older youngsters are much stronger than their younger counterparts, therefore items such as sinks, basins and doors need to be more robust in order to withstand more forceful wear and tear. There is also an increased risk of vandalism in secondary school washrooms, hence the need for sanitaryware that is more resistant to such errant behaviour.

It's a scientific fact that interior colours can affect the mood and behaviour of occupants, which is perhaps why brighter shades are found to be better-suited to the walls and floors of primary school washrooms. Pre-teen students in the five-to-nine-year-old bracket also benefit from sensor taps. Good hygiene standards are essential in busy environments such as primary schools where germs spread very easily, therefore non-touch taps are preferable to the push variety, which require more strength for younger limbs to operate.

Sadly, washrooms have earned a reputation as hives of school bullying activity in secondary school education. To counteract this growing menace, unisex sanitary areas have been found to be effective. Facilities used by both genders attract more people, making it more likely instances of bad behaviour will be witnessed and reported. Youngsters become more self-conscious about their appearance and development in the early teenage years; it means they are less likely to loiter in washrooms used by members of the opposite ***. Creating a more open sanitary environment has also proved a useful anti-bullying tactic. Windows that lookout onto school corridors enable staff to spot destructive or intimidatory behaviour in an instant.

No washroom is full-proof to the desires of students committed to acts vandalism or violence, but there is no doubt, when due care and attention is paid to the sanitary environment we're creating for our children, there is a greater chance their school days will be the happiest of their lives.  Visit http://www.interfixgroup.com