If you are a school business manager or bursar, keeping your school grounds safe and well-presented is one of your key responsibilities. But finding the right contractor to help you do this is not always easy. There are a lot of providers out there, and not all of them are suited to working in a school environment.
This guide walks you through the most important things to look for when choosing a grounds maintenance for schools provider, so you can feel confident in your decision.
Why school grounds maintenance is different from other sites
Schools are not like offices or industrial estates. There are children on site every day, which means safety has to come first at all times. A contractor working on your grounds needs to understand how to plan and carry out their work without putting pupils or staff at risk.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on schools makes it clear that managing risk on school premises is the responsibility of the employer, and that includes work carried out by outside contractors. This means you need to choose someone you can trust.
Key things to check before signing a contract
1. DBS checks for all staff
Any contractor who may come into contact with children on your site should have an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Ask your potential provider whether all their operatives are DBS checked and how often they renew those checks. A reputable company will be happy to share this information.
2. Public liability insurance
Make sure the contractor holds adequate public liability insurance. For school sites, you should look for a minimum of £5 million cover. Ask to see their certificate before any work begins.
3. Risk assessments and method statements
Before starting any job, a professional contractor should be able to provide a risk assessment and method statement (often called a RAMS document). This shows they have thought about what could go wrong and how they will prevent it. This is especially important on school grounds where children may be nearby.
4. Experience working in schools
Not every grounds maintenance company has experience on educational sites. Look for a provider who understands the specific needs of schools, including working around the school day, term-time schedules, and the need to keep noise and disruption to a minimum.
What to look for in a school grounds maintenance contract
A good school grounds maintenance contract should cover all the regular tasks your site needs throughout the year. Here is a summary of what a typical contract might include:
| Service | Typical Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grass cutting | Weekly (growing season) | Shorter frequency during winter months |
| Hedge trimming | 1-3 times per year | After nesting season where possible |
| Weed control | As needed | Pesticide use must be logged and managed safely |
| Leaf clearance | Autumn | Reduces slip hazards on paths and playgrounds |
| Litter picking | Weekly or as needed | Keeps grounds tidy and safe for pupils |
| Tree inspections | Annually | Helps identify any safety concerns early |
| Line marking | Before term starts | Keeps sports areas and playgrounds clear |
Make sure your contract clearly states how often each task will be carried out and what happens if bad weather causes a delay.
Seasonal scheduling and term-time planning
One of the most important things to discuss with a potential contractor is how they plan their visits around the school calendar. Grass grows fast in spring and summer, so you will need more frequent visits during term time. Autumn is a busy period for leaf clearance and hedge cutting. Winter may bring ice and frost, so it is worth asking whether the company also offers commercial ground maintenance services such as gritting and snow clearance.
A good contractor will help you build a seasonal schedule that keeps your grounds safe and looking their best all year round, without any surprises.
Safe working around pupils
Your contractor must have a clear policy for working safely on a live school site. Ask them the following questions before you agree to anything:
- How will they make sure their equipment does not pose a risk to pupils during break times or lunch?
- Will they always notify you before visiting the site?
- How do they manage machinery near play areas and footpaths?
- What is their policy for working in bad weather?
A reliable contractor will already have answers to these questions and should be able to show you their working procedures in writing.
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Questions to ask potential contractors
Here is a checklist of questions worth raising when you speak to any grounds maintenance provider:
- Are all your operatives DBS checked?
- Do you hold public liability insurance of at least £5 million?
- Can you provide risk assessments and method statements before each job?
- Do you have experience working on school grounds specifically?
- Can you work around our term dates and school hours?
- What happens if a visit is missed due to weather or staffing?
- Are you able to handle all our grounds needs, including grass cutting, hedge trimming, and weed control?
- Do you use environmentally responsible products and practices?
Why local knowledge matters in East Anglia
If your school is in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, or Hertfordshire, it is worth choosing a contractor who knows the region. Local contractors are more likely to be available at short notice, understand the soil conditions and seasonal patterns in your area, and respond quickly if something needs urgent attention.
Anglian Land Services is based in Essex and provides specialist grounds maintenance for schools across East Anglia. Our team is experienced in working on school sites, fully insured, and committed to safe, professional service throughout the year.
