Childcare centres are cleaned where young children play, eat, sleep and have their nappies changed. That raises the bar on who comes on site, what products they use and how consistently the work is done. These are the checks worth making before you sign a cleaning contract.
People and checks
- Working With Children Checks. Ask whether every person who will work at your centre holds a current check, and ask to see them.
- Employees or subcontractors. Find out who actually does the work. A consistent, directly employed team is easier to vet and easier to hold to a standard.
- Insurance. Ask for certificates of currency for public liability and workers' compensation.
- Site induction. The cleaning team should complete your centre's induction and follow your sign-in and security procedures.
Products and methods
- Ask which products will be used and request the safety data sheets.
- Check how chemicals are stored on site and that they are kept out of children's reach.
- Ask how equipment such as mops and cloths is kept separate between bathrooms, nappy change areas and kitchens.
What the scope should cover
- Playrooms, including tables, chairs, low shelving and floors.
- Bathrooms and nappy change areas.
- Kitchens and food preparation areas.
- Sleep rooms, staff rooms, offices and the foyer.
- Periodic work such as carpet cleaning between terms and floor stripping and sealing.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Will the same team clean the centre each visit?
- What happens if a cleaner is sick or on leave?
- How do I report a missed area, and how quickly is it fixed?
- Will the scope and price be in writing, and can they change only by agreement?
A cleaner who answers these clearly, in writing, is one you are less likely to be replacing in six months.