Having worked closely with hundreds of schools and other education settings we know how challenging it can be to plan and carry out major works without disrupting your students’ learning. It’s why, whether it’s kitchen, laundry room or heating system upgrades, timing is everything when it comes to installing new commercial equipment.
Summer holidays are the best place to start
It might be obvious, but school being out for summer really does give you the perfect chance to carry out new installs with minimum fuss. Students are away and there are fewer staff around, which leaves you with more space to carry out even the most major works, safely. And having the work done over summer also means everything’s up and running before the new academic year starts in September.
Alternative holidays to consider
The two-week Christmas and Easter breaks are also a good choice for those smaller or simpler upgrade projects that won’t cause too much disruption or are less likely to overrun. Again, though, it’s worth planning in advance to make sure everything lines up with your term dates, staff training and exam timetables.
Is it possible to install during term time?
While holidays are the ideal time to plan your school equipment upgrades, it’s not always possible to wait if you have breakdowns or growing demands. This is when it’s good to know that equipment installs can still happen in term time, with the right partnership and a solid plan.
At JLA, we’ve helped countless schools safely and quickly complete essential projects around their busy timetables, dinner hours and pupils’ needs.
Funding, planning and budgeting
As well as good timing, you’ll want to make sure you have your budgeting sorted too. Many installations need to happen in line with a school’s plans for the year, and many education settings will plan new installs following budget renewals or look to government funding and grants to achieve certain upgrades with extra support.
Again, it’s always worth starting the conversation – and your planning – as early as possible. This way, you’ll not only secure your upgrade time before peak season, but know you’ve got the right equipment in place for the next few years. Keep in mind that more energy-efficient upgrades should also lead to long-term savings, too – a great way to balance your budget with your sustainability goals.
How do I know how long a project will take?
In general, larger projects (like full kitchen refits, or brand-new laundry rooms) will need a lot more time and space, making summer holidays the right stretch to aim for. But for smaller projects, like installing a new dishwasher, the work can be done much more reactively. A supplier like JLA will always advise on the right solution for your needs and budget, and work with you to deliver the results you need.
For more about our commercial laundry equipment and commercial catering equipment solutions for the education sector, speak to one of our experts today!
Download the JLA education sector brochure
Take a look at our detailed brochure for more information on how JLA can help the education sector.
- An overview on how JLA can help the education sector
- Sustainability and ESG
- Laundry, catering, HVAC and fire safety products
- Digital support
- Network of engineers
- Purchase options, including Total Care
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