Wales needs hundreds of cleaners for schools to open again

HUNDREDS of extra cleaners are needed across Wales to get schools ready to reopen by June 29.

One council is advertising for as many as 300 cleaners.

It is understood that one school is looking at the need to clean toilets every time a pupil uses them.

Equipment including pens, desks and toys will need to be regularly cleaned and disinfected as well as buildings. Regular deep cleaning will also have to be carried out.

Councils across Wales say they are trying to hire more cleaners, with Carmarthenshire alone advertising for 300.

The Association of School and College Leaders Cymru and the National Association of Head Teachers Cymru (NAHT) said schools, already struggling with tight budgets, must not be expected to pay for the extra cleaning vital to keep schools as safe as possible during what is a national health emergency.

Last week Education Minister Kirsty Williams announced that schools in Wales will start opening to all pupils from all years (except those shielding) from June 29.

Carmarthenshire council’s deputy leader Cllr Mair Stephens said: “The cleaning service plays a key part in keeping people safe during this pandemic and provides an essential service.”

A spokesman for Powys County Council said: “We are in the process of advertising for additional cleaning staff.”

Bridgend Council said it is “continually recruiting cleaning staff to support the increase in cleaning frequency requirements”.

Laura Doel, director of NAHT Cymru said: “School budgets were already under huge pressure before the outbreak and schools simply do not have the money to support the increased costs associated with social distancing, strict hygiene regimes and additional staff.

“We have been told by Welsh Government that additional funding is going to LAs to support the national response to the virus and that money must make its way to schools.”

Eithne Hughes, director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Cymru, said: “Funding needs to be found to support the larger provision of cleaning staff to clean schools and make sure they are safe.”

A Welsh Local Government Association spokesman said: “Discussions are ongoing between councils and Welsh Government to explore resource implications of cleaning requirements in schools.”