One teacher reported: “My classroom has thick black mould growing up the walls, the paint is peeling and the room smells very damp.”
Half of the teachers surveyed revealed that their school had undergone a significant spending project in the last five years, however, very few mentioned repairing dilapidated buildings or fixing damp problems as a priority. Instead, 29% said that school funds were spent on branding, 25% on extra members of the management team, and 22% on hiring consultants.
General Secretary of the NASUWT, Chris Keates, stated: “This is a disgraceful picture of schools in the 21st Century and revealing about the spending priorities of some schools.”
“The failure of government is compounded by those employers which, rather than invest in the maintenance of their school buildings and improving the learning environment, have chosen instead to stockpile their funds in reserves or give priority to vanity projects which have little or no impact on educational outcomes.”
The harmful effects of mould exposure are well documented and can be especially harmful for children and those with allergies. As somewhere that kids spend most of their time apart from home, it is incredibly important that schools remain clear of damp and mould in order to prevent the potential for negative health effects as a result.
If your school in Dorset or Hampshire plans to invest in damp proofing and damp repair this year, we are the number one choice in the region. We offer competitive, fair quotes and honest advice paired with excellent services. Book a damp survey today on 01202 57737.