A new school cleaning regime to reduce the risk of Covid-19 will create 55 new jobs across West Dunbartonshire.
The local authority has announced it is appointing day cleaners for all primary schools, additional day cleaners for all secondary schools, and increasing evening cleaning in high schools.
The initial investment of approximately £300,000 will support the return to full-time education across West Dunbartonshire on August 12 by reducing the risk of infection for pupils and staff.
It comes three weeks after teaching union EIS warned there was a lack of school cleaning resources following the axing of 180 cleaners over five years.
The local authority has responded by taking the decision to implement an extra 1,000 cleaning hours per week across the area’s schools, as well as recruiting 55 new employees on temporary contracts.
Councillor Ian Dickson, convener of corporate services, said: “We must take measures to reduce the risk of infection in our schools during the recovery phase.
“Cleaning is a key part of that and these extra resources will increase the level of cleaning taking place across all our schools by 1,000 hours per week.
“The secondary benefit of new jobs for local people will also be significant at a time when opportunities elsewhere could be limited.”
Under the plans, each primary school will have a cleaner on site during the day to undertake regular and enhanced cleaning of high-priority areas and frequently touched surfaces.
The five large secondary schools and Kilpatrick, which already have day cleaners, will be allocated a second day cleaner to increase the impact during the busy school hours.
The cleaning teams on site each evening in primary schools will re-prioritise their work schedule to focus on touch-points such as door handles, handrails and main door panels.
Meanwhile, the daily cleaning arrangements at Dumbarton Academy and Our Lady and St Patrick’s high schools will be increased to match those at the PPP secondary schools and Kilpatrick.
In addition, a range of other approaches will also be in operation in the schools, including extensive use of hand sanitisers and promotion of hand cleaning for all staff and pupils.
School resources handled by pupils and staff will be cleaned as required and anti-bacterial spray and paper towels will be provided for staff and pupils to clean down their desks, chairs, keyboards and classroom surfaces.
The council’s early learning centres also have daily cleaning regimes in place. Moving forward, on-site cleaning and facilities staff will ensure surfaces are wiped down on a regular basis.
Councillor Karen Conaghan, convener of education, said: “Speaking as a parent, I know I am reassured to hear that there will be cleaners on site during the day in every primary school, and two in secondary schools, to wipe down busy touch-point areas.
“I’m also pleased to see the extensive provision of hand sanitisers and the planned promotion of handwashing in our schools because we know that these measures will also be vital in controlling Covid-19.”
