My placement school is a shit tip

[AuroraFloyd]

I'm starting teacher training in September and I've been visiting my placement school to get to know people, learn the routines etc.

Unfortunately, the state of the school is horrific. It is badly in need of a lick of paint, the corridors near the pupil toilets stink of piss, the carpets are covered in old chewing gum, threadbare and literally have holes in them. There are holes in doors (presumably where they have been kicked), basic maintenance like missing door handles needs doing, the windows and sills are filthy, the staff toilets are in disrepair (with one being used as a store cupboard for broken furniture). None of the tables/desks and chairs match and are clearly ancient and shabby.

I'm genuinely shocked and appalled at the state of the school. It is currently "good" but has been "needs improvement" for many years. I would love to ask if they actually have a caretaker or any cleaners but obviously I wouldn't!

Furthermore, I'm uneasy about the lax procedures I've witnessed. As a visitor to the school I would have expected a quick fire safety briefing, maybe a quick tour of the school to help me get my bearings - here's the staffroom/canteen/toilets etc but there was nothing. No one has checked my ID or DBS certificate and after 1 visit I'm now told to make my way down to the department I'm visiting on my own. At break and lunch I'm left to wander the corridors alone to find the staffroom and toilets.

This is all in stark contrast to other schools I've visited and my own high school. I'm not happy with what I've seen but I don't think there is anything I can do.

Perhaps as part of your placement you could start a volunteer army. Someone mentioned that their school only gets painted because parents do it.

OK, so how about encouraging that sort of thing. One weekend parents come in to fix the doors. There must be a carpet supplier amongst the parents, can they get a good deal?

Holiday deep clean?

Changebagsandgladrags
Perhaps as part of your placement you could start a volunteer army. Someone mentioned that their school only gets painted because parents do it.
OK, so how about encouraging that sort of thing. One weekend parents come in to fix the doors. There must be a carpet supplier amongst the parents, can they get a good deal?
Holiday deep clean?

These are super ideas. In the 1990s, my outstanding grammar school was painted inside and out by parents, who were also asked to donate the paint.

DD's school gets painted by parents. The lockers and work benches get sanded and re-sealed by parents. The school grounds get refreshed by parents. This happens twice a year on a Saturday. Painting and cleaning materials, plants, skips and refreshments are donated by local businesses. Good sense of community.