The UK’s independent school sector is facing a period of significant change, not least due to the recent VAT reforms. While these changes may seem daunting at first, they also present a valuable opportunity for schools to reassess their operations and explore cost-effective solutions.

In a sector where reputation is crucial, and first impressions are paramount, this re-evaluation is more important than ever. When prospective parents and pupils visit your school, a pristine environment speaks volumes about your commitment to excellence. Every detail matters – from sparkling floors and spotless classrooms to well-maintained washrooms and communal areas.

Outsourcing your cleaning services is gaining traction as a strategic move with numerous benefits, including significant financial advantages and a higher standard of cleanliness. This can be a key strategy in ensuring your school always makes the best possible impression.

Understanding the New VAT Rules

From 1 January 2025, all private schools in the UK became subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20%. This includes services such as cleaning, which were previously exempt. However, independent schools can now reclaim VAT on outsourced cleaning services, making this option financially more attractive than ever before. This creates a significant opportunity for schools to optimise their budgets and allocate resources more effectively.

Why Outsourced Cleaning Makes Sense

Beyond the VAT reclaim benefits, outsourcing cleaning offers a multitude of advantages:

• Focus on Core Activities: By entrusting your cleaning needs to specialists, your school can dedicate more time and resources to its primary mission: providing an outstanding education.
• Enhanced Expertise: Professional cleaning companies bring a wealth of specialised knowledge, highly trained staff, and the latest cleaning technologies to ensure a truly high-quality clean.
  

At Julius Rutherfoord & Co, we have a long history of providing premium cleaning services to schools. We support our team to provide their undivided attention to your premises, and we think you’d notice the difference.

• Improved Efficiency: Outsourcing can lead to improved productivity and cost savings through optimised cleaning schedules and the use of advanced equipment.
• Reduced Liability: Outsourcing allows schools to minimise their responsibility for employment regulations, staff training, and health and safety compliance, freeing up valuable time and resources.
• Enhanced Safeguarding: Reputable cleaning companies prioritise the safety and well-being of your pupils and staff. They implement robust security measures, including thorough background checks, DBS checks, and even advanced technologies like facial recognition and biometrics where appropriate, to ensure that only authorised personnel access your premises. This provides an additional layer of security and allows school leaders and staff to focus on their core responsibilities with greater peace of mind.

Elevating Cleaner Welfare

Contrary to some perceptions, outsourcing can actually improve cleaner welfare: providing not just jobs but fulfilling careers with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and clear pathways for advancement.

Strong Management & Experienced Teams

Effective cleaning goes beyond the efforts of individual operatives; it requires a robust management structure to ensure consistent, high-quality service. Many providers overlook this, offering low-cost solutions that are actually more costly in the long term.

At JR&Co, we invest in strong management structures and experienced teams who are dedicated to delivering exceptional service. Our managers provide regular on-site supervision, quality control, and ongoing support to ensure our team achieve consistently high standards.

Beyond Savings: Quality and Sustainability

Outsourcing doesn’t mean compromising on quality. In fact, professional cleaning firms often deliver a higher standard of cleaning due to their expertise and access to advanced technologies. Many also prioritise sustainability, using eco-friendly products and practices to minimise their environmental impact.

We go several steps further than most and, as a certified B Corp, we’re proud to be able to say we’re a force for good in business.

The Next Steps for Independent Schools

If you’re considering outsourcing your cleaning services, here’s what you should do:

• Assess your needs: Clearly identify your specific cleaning requirements and priorities.
• Research potential partners: Look for companies with a proven track record in the education sector and a strong commitment to quality.
• Request proposals: Compare quotes and service offerings from different providers to find the best fit for your school.
• Check references: Gain valuable insights by speaking to other schools that have used their services.

Finding the Right Cleaning Partner

Choosing the right cleaning partner is crucial. Look for a provider who actively listens, communicates clearly, and provides a comprehensive contract that reflects your needs and expectations.

At JR&Co, we pride ourselves on our attentive approach and collaborative spirit, working closely with our clients to ensure a seamless, high-quality cleaning solution. We empower our teams through comprehensive training and support to give your premises their undivided attention. We think you’ll notice the difference.

Conclusion

The new VAT rules, combined with the numerous benefits of outsourcing, make this an opportune time for independent schools to reconsider their cleaning arrangements. By partnering with a reputable cleaning provider, schools can achieve significant cost savings, enhance cleaning quality, and free up resources to focus on what they do best: delivering an excellent education.

Walking into the modern office, one might notice a vibrant change: greenery is taking over, adorning desks, windowsills, and communal areas. This trend, known as biophilic design, isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a healthier, more engaging environment. In a recent article published by Knight Frank’s “Office Insights” team, the benefits of biophilic design are clearly set out and were spearheaded by the tech giants in their bid to attract and retain top talent. Amazon’s head office in Seattle includes rope bridges and treehouses, streams and green walls; it includes thousands of plants strategically placed to encourage employees to think creatively.

At Julius Rutherfoord & Co., we’ve observed this shift and adapted our premium cleaning services to support it.

Understanding biophilic design

In simple terms, biophilia is the human need to connect with nature. Biophilic design integrates natural elements into built environments, aiming to connect people more closely with nature. This approach has numerous advantages:

Reduced sickness and absenteeism and improved staff retention Greenery in the office has been linked to lower rates of sickness and absenteeism. By creating a healthier atmosphere, plants help reduce the number of sick days taken by employees. In terms of employee retention, improving the office environment is said to boost staff loyalty across all generations, with this being even more evident among younger employees (Raconteur)​.

1. Reduced stress and enhanced wellbeing Plants in the workspace are proven to reduce stress and promote health and wellbeing. The presence of greenery helps create a calming environment, making employees feel more relaxed and at ease (MDPI).
2. Increased productivity, creativity, and happiness Studies have shown that plants can boost productivity and creativity. Employees working in green environments report higher levels of happiness and job satisfaction, leading to improved performance and innovative thinking (Knight Frank).
3. A more inviting environment Plants and flowers make the office more inviting for both employees and visitors. A green, vibrant workspace is more welcoming and can positively influence the first impressions of clients and guests (Planteria).
4. Improved air quality Plants improve air quality and reduce allergens by cleansing the air. They filter out toxins, which can decrease symptoms of fatigue and discomfort, leading to a healthier indoor environment (Built | The Bluebeam Blog). According to research by the US Joint Commission, 40 percent of all sickness absence is due to indoor air pollution or poor air quality. As Philippe Pare, design director at architecture and design consultancy Gensler, says: “Improved air quality has to be up there as one of the biggest benefits of biophilic design as it plays an important role in reducing absenteeism, which is a huge business cost.”
5. Branding and Image A biophilic design not only enhances the physical workspace but also strengthens the company’s brand. A commitment to a green office reflects a company’s dedication to sustainability and employee wellbeing, which can attract talent and clients alike (Raconteur)​.