How many toilets are needed in a school washroom?

Marketing Manager, Charlotte Sheppard, sat down with Specification Manager for the South, Iain Hodd, to discuss the scales of provision and key requirements for education washrooms set out by the Department for Education.

C: What’s the most commonly asked question when discussing education washrooms with specifiers?

I: Without doubt, it is “how many toilets should I specify for school washrooms?” There isn’t a definitive answer to this question, as the number of toilets required in a school washroom depends on the age of the children or young adults using the facilities. It also depends on where the education establishment is located, as the rules differ slightly across the UK. My colleagues and I are always happy to help and advise our customers based on their individual circumstances and specific project requirements.

C: Can you give us a brief overview of the guidance given by the Department for Education with regards to scales of provision for school washrooms?

I: As mentioned, the guidance varies between England, Wales and Scotland. Here are some key numbers and considerations for our customers to note.

England and Wales:

• Under 5 - 1 toilet and 1 basin per 10 pupils
• Over 5 - 1 toilet and 1 basin per 20 pupils

Scotland:

• 2 toilets per 15 pupils (up to total of 60)
• 2 toilets per additional 30 pupils (up to total of 300)
• 2 toilets per additional 60 pupils over 300 pupils
• 4 basins for the first 30 pupils
• 4 basins for the next 30 pupils
• 2 basins for every additional 30 pupils (up to total of 300)
• 2 basins for every additional 60 pupils over 300 pupils

C: Are there any other regulations specifiers should consider when working on education projects?

I: It’s worth noting that washroom areas for male and female students over the age of 8 have to feature separate regular height cubicles*, meanwhile staff and visitor toilets have to be separate from toilets for pupils. There should be one hand soap dispenser per basin at a school vanity unit, or at every 500mm interval at a washtrough. It’s also vital that one hand dryer is needed for every 5 WCs in any one washroom.

C: Do you have any top tips for anyone working on an education washroom project?

I: A common challenge associated with education washroom projects is time constraints due to school term times. Specifying our industry-leading pre-plumbed panelling system Vepps helps to reduce installation time by 50% as all sanitaryware, brassware and fittings are installed and tested at our manufacturing facility. This is a huge benefit onsite in schools, helping to get projects completed quicker so that new washroom facilities can be opened to students sooner.

How can we help?

For over 40 years, we’ve been the washroom specialist of choice for countless nurseries, schools, colleges and universities. We know that performance, practicality and cost-effectiveness are key considerations when specifying an education washroom.

We’re proud to offer a wide range of tried and tested commercial washroom solutions for the education sector. From toilet cubicles and vanity units, to Vepps our pre-plumbed washroom IPS and durable lockers, we’re passionate about raising the bar of children and young adult’s washrooms. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is on hand to guide you from start to finish, ensuring fit for purpose washroom packages that meet guidelines are specified for each project.

Get in touch with a member of the team to discuss your ongoing or future education washroom projects by calling 01474 353333, emailing marketing@venesta.co.uk or by completing the form here.

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*This doesn't apply to unisex washrooms where full height privacy cubicles are specified.