Pupils on their vacs... to clean the school

A SCHOOL has adopted a Japanese idea after buying 10 vacuum cleaners and putting pupils on cleaning duty in a bid to boost respect and save money.

Hilary Priest, head teacher of The Grove School, in Totnes, Devon, said the new measures would cut the caretaker’s workload and teach children to respect their school.

Its 10 classrooms now have a vacuum, which pupils must use on a rota basis.

Mrs Priest says she was put on to the idea after watching a TV show about education in Japan.

She said: “We thought it was a good way to make sure the children respect our school and respect our environment.”

Asked whether he and his classmates should have to pitch in and clean, Noah, from year six, said: “Yes, it’s about protecting our school.”

Classmate Imogen added: “My mum said it’s good as when I’m a grown-up I will know how to use the vacuum cleaner.”

But there is one class exempt from cleaning duties. The pupils in reception are “just a bit too little,” Mrs Priest said.

It is not the first time people around the world have been impressed with the Japanese attitude to cleanliness.

Football fans at the 2018 World Cup in Russia gazed on in awe as Japan supporters meticulously cleaned up their rows and seats in stadiums after a game.