With the latest Government figures revealing an increase of over 18,000 pupils attending schools in England during 2023/24 – compared to a very slight increase in the number of settings (just 11) – it’s no surprise many schools are finding facilities stretched. One key area coming under pressure is the toilets. With higher pupil numbers comes higher demand for cubicles and handwashing stations – but how can you make space where there is none? That’s easy – opt for circular wash fountains. And that’s not the only benefit that this modern approach to handwashing brings. So, as we look ahead to 2025, here we highlight some of the key reasons why every school should consider making the switch to circular a wash fountain.
What is a circular wash fountain?
Designed to offer maximum handwashing capacity whilst occupying minimal space, a circular wash fountain is just that – circular!
Freestanding, and taking up an impressively small footprint, wash fountains can typically provide handwashing for up to 8 students, whilst taking up considerably less space than 6 individual sinks would.
And by removing the need for wall fixings, switching to wash fountains can also free up valuable wall space to offer compact handwashing in previously restrictive areas.
Why make the switch?
Saving space is the biggy here but it’s not the only advantage to opting for wash fountains over traditional sinks.
Other key benefits include:
· Modern
Many schools are crying out for an update – nowhere more so than in the toilets.
Dated sinks, broken taps, and dingy cubicles, the list goes on, but a switch to wash fountains is an easy way to modernise. Updating the look of the bathroom area and creating a more streamlined, clean aesthetic.
· Cost-effective
Fitting one wash fountain over 8 individual sinks dramatically cuts down on the time and cost involved in installing and maintaining individual basins, making switching a valuable investment.
· Low maintenance
With standard, individual sinks there can be considerable pipework. Not so with a wash fountain. Instead, pipes are centralised and hidden away, helping to keep important plumbing out of harm’s way, whilst also reducing – and simplifying – maintenance.
· Easy supervision
With more flexibility over installation, wash fountains can easily be placed outside of the main WC area. Not only does this free up space for more cubicles but it makes supervision far easier, helping to boost student safety and reduce the risk and opportunity for vandalism and antisocial behaviour.
Invest in circular wash fountains for your school
One better than standard wash fountains? Wash fountains purposely crafted for the school environment – such as those available from school washroom specialists ONVO.
Their carefully honed design removes the foot valves often associated with wash fountains and replaces water flow control with push buttons or hand sensors.
Not just this though, both their automated and manual options come complete with a clever time valve to reduce water waste, reduce the risk of flooding and encourage the correct amount of time to be spent washing hands.
Ready to make the switch? Visit the ONVO website to take a closer look at the circular wash fountain collection. Alternatively, to find out more about the potential benefits for your school, contact the team on 0161 302 5342 or email [email protected].