Schools have unique cleaning needs that differ from commercial or residential properties, and winning such contracts can offer a steady stream of work and revenue. However, it is a hugely competitive market as many see it as an ‘easy-win’ however, school cleaning contracts can be very nuanced and detailed, so do your due diligence before embarking on this journey.
In this blog, we’ll explore key considerations to help your business successfully win and manage these opportunities.
1. Understanding the specific needs of schools
Schools vary in size, location and needs, here’s a few areas to consider when looking at these tenders include:
- Term-Time vs Holiday Cleaning: Cleaning schedules vary, and may require daily cleaning during term time and deep cleaning required during school holidays.
- Flexibility: The schools may require additional ad-hoc cleaning for an event or following a refurbishment so you will need to ensure you can offer this flexibility.
- Location: Is the school location accessible in a populated area? You will need to be sure you can resource the job sufficiently for the day-to-day with cover staff available, and that you can flex the resources if needed.
2. Compliance with regulations and standards
Schools must adhere to numerous regulations regarding cleanliness, and your business will need to stay compliant with these to secure contracts.
- COSHH Compliance: The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations require that all cleaning products and procedures are safe for children and staff.
- Safeguarding Policies: Any staff who work on school premises must undergo background checks (DBS) to ensure they meet safeguarding requirements.
- Environmental Considerations: Many schools now require eco-friendly cleaning solutions, so you may need to demonstrate the use of sustainable products and methods.
3. Competitive tendering
As with all public sector areas, budget is tight, so you need to be specific and competitive in your proposal evidencing what you have done in the past to build confidence in you bid.
- Detailed Proposals: Be sure to outline your services clearly, including daily, weekly, and periodic deep cleaning tasks.
- Pricing: Provide a competitive but sustainable pricing structure. Schools will want value for money, but underpricing can impact service quality.
- Evidence of Experience: Showcase your track record of delivering reliable, high-quality cleaning services, especially in educational settings.
4. TUPE regulations and employment considerations
When taking over a school cleaning contract from another provider, TUPE (The Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) regulations come into play.
TUPE is designed to protect the rights of employees when a business or contract is transferred to a new employer. This allows for stability of employment within the community and a smooth transition of contracts. Specifics to consider include:
- Staff Transfer: Under TUPE, the existing cleaning staff working on the contract are likely to transfer to your company under the same terms and conditions of their original employment. This means you’ll need to honour their existing pay, holiday entitlements, and any other contractual benefits.
- Consultation Process: You must consult with the existing staff and their representatives about the transfer. Open communication is key to ensuring a smooth transition.
- Due Diligence: It’s important to conduct thorough due diligence on the staff you’ll inherit under TUPE. This includes understanding their current contracts, any outstanding disputes, and ensuring compliance with legal obligations.
- Training and Integration: Once staff transfer over, they may require additional training to meet your company’s standards. It’s also important to integrate them into your company culture, ensuring they feel valued and supported.
5. Managing staff and resources
Managing your resources effectively is critical to maintaining the contract. You should consider the following:
- Reliable Staffing: Ensure that your staff are reliable and well-trained. Schools will expect a consistent level of service.
- Flexibility in Staffing: There may be times when additional staff are needed, particularly for deep cleans during school holidays. Ensure your workforce can adapt to these changes.
- Ongoing Training: Invest in training for your staff, particularly in areas such as safeguarding, use of eco-friendly products, and handling specialist cleaning equipment.
Winning a school cleaning contract can be a game-changer for your cleaning business, offering steady work and building a strong reputation. By understanding the unique needs of the school, staying compliant with regulations, and focusing on communication and staff management, you can position your business as a trusted and reliable partner for educational institutions.
For more tips and advice on winning cleaning contracts visit here and to see all the latest opportunities head over to our Open Tenders.
