Posted By Della Pearlman
Hallo Chris -
I keep an eye on the issue of drinking fountains in schools – as far as I know there are no rules that state you can’t have water in playgrounds, (but I'm always willing to be told if I am wrong), although there are issues of hygiene. Here are the actual rules and guidance – sorry if it’s a bit lengthy but it’s a complicated issue:
The law regarding drinking water for pupils merely states “A school shall have a wholesome supply of water for domestic purposes including a supply of drinking water.” (The Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999). (see
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1999/19990002.htm)
The 'Healthy Living Blueprint for Schools', published by the DFES in September 2004, recommends that "all pupils should have access to drinking water at all times at a number of points around the school, preferably not from taps in toilets. Pupils should be permitted to carry water with them and consumption encouraged both in class and during break and lunchtime".
Building Bulletin No 87 (from DCSF) states that there are no standards for the distribution of drinking water outlets throughout the schools premises but bodies responsible should consider the pattern of demand within schools which can be concentrated within fairly short breaks (http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=4753).
It is the responsibility of the head teacher and the governing body to decide where water should be made available.
The DCSF’s: Schools for the Future, Inspirational Design for Kitchens and Dining Spaces 2007 (http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=11831 ) states that:
Fresh drinking water should be freely and easily accessible throughout the day, with water available in play and recreation, PE and classroom areas, as well as in the dining areas. This will require:
• Mains water plumbing
• Power where required
The Schools Food Trust’s guide to the Government’s new food-based standards for school lunches. April 2007, states:
If water can be chilled then it is more appealing but this is not a requirement of the standard.
Serving suggestions
• Provide jugs of freshly-poured tap water together with cups/ glasses on tables and at the
serving counter.
• Consider installing a point-of use water cooler which uses mains water.
• Modern water fountains could be an additional water point in the dining room.
Good practice
• Promote water availability throughout the school, so children do not have to rely on taps in toilets for a drink.
If a new schools is going for BREEAM compliance, then their rules state
“The following demonstrates compliance;
1. Chilled mains fed water dispensers are provided that are easily accessible to all
throughout the day at safe and convenient points around the school and in every building.
The credit cannot be awarded where the water dispensers or drinking supplies are located
in toilet areas.” (more details in the BREEAM Schools Manual April 2006: Health and Wellbeing)
hope this helps
Della