1. School Cleaning Update

2. Reform overview
On 11 August 2017 the Government announced its school cleaning reform project.
This includes the transition to an area-based cleaning model in metropolitan schools and a strengthened compliance and monitoring framework in regional schools.
The objectives of the reform are to ensure:
high-quality cleaning contractors operate in Victorian government schools;
a consistent standard of cleaning in schools; and
all cleaning staff working in Victorian Government schools receive their legal wages and entitlements.

3. Details of School Cleaning Reforms
An Area Based Cleaning Model for government schools in metropolitan Melbourne:
Eight separate areas will each be tendered to a single cleaning supplier.
Procurement for these contracts will be managed centrally by the Department of Education and Training (DET).
Successful suppliers must recruit from the existing school cleaning workforce.
There will be transitional provisions which support small cleaning businesses over the next three years.
A range of measures to improve school cleaning in regional Victoria:
The introduction of a strengthened compliance and monitoring framework including an annual audit of cleaning contractors.
Minimum cleaning standards will be assessed through an audit regime.
More active monitoring of cleaning contracts by DET.
The transition to this new model will take place during 2018.

4. Area-Based Cleaning Model
The eight metropolitan areas will mirror DET’s regional boundaries.
The areas range in the number of schools from 57 up to 152 schools.
Some schools are not included in the model such as PPP schools and schools which are in youth justice and hospital settings.
Approximately 25% of schools are eligible for a longer transition period to assist small cleaning businesses and sole proprietors with the transition.
The longer transition period will end on 30 June 2020 and then all schools will move to the new cleaning model.

5. Impact on schools Metro Schools Regional Schools
Transition to area-based model – cleaning services provided by successful cleaning contractor for area
Continue to tender and contract their own cleaning arrangements, as per the Panel Agreement
A robust scope of services to ensure each school’s needs can be met by the cleaning contractor
Cleaning contractors subject to an ongoing audit program to ensure minimum cleaning standards met
Reduction in administrative burden placed on principals – allowing them to focus on teaching
Where evidence of poor practice emerges, DET action taken to correct and rectify that situation
When school transitions, SRP will be centrally administered, however will still be calculated for low and normal use areas
SRP will continue to be allocated in the same manner, and will continue to be calculated for low and normal use areas
These reforms will improve cleaning in every Victorian government school
No impact on principal salary
Schools will be supported through the transition

6. Impact on cleaning companies and the cleaning workforce
Existing cleaning service contracts will remain in place until a school transitions to the area-based model, with the transition commencing on 1 July 2018
Extended transition arrangements to support small business – metro schools serviced by sole proprietors or contractors cleaning a single school can transition to this area-based model over a longer period
All metro schools will transition to the area-based model by 30 June 2020
Open and competitive tender process currently underway – organisations that submitted an Expression of Interest have been notified of the outcome and the Request for Proposal will be issued to shortlisted bidders in November.
As part of the tender process, the successful contractors must recruit from the existing Victorian government school cleaning workforce
Cleaning contractors are legally required to pay staff the correct entitlements, regardless of the outcome of the tender process
Area-based cleaning model will not impact cleaning contractors servicing regional schools, however these contractors will be subject to an ongoing audit program as part of the reform
DET has contacted all affected cleaning contractors by phone to understand the implications
DET is working with key stakeholders, including Small Business Victoria, to develop a program of practical support to assist cleaning contractors, including workshops and mentoring

7. Feedback from Schools
DET established a phone hotline on 11 August 2017 for all stakeholder enquiries
Some schools have welcomed the change for the following reasons:
The reforms are a means to lifting school cleaning standards
The administrative burden of tender processes has been reduced
Reforms will ensure cleaners’ legal entitlements are met
While some schools are supportive of the changes, others have raised the following concerns:
Uncertainty regarding current contracts and the transition to new arrangements
Concerns that the individual cleaning needs of schools may not be met by larger providers
Concerns about the welfare of their cleaners and a desire to maintain relationship with current cleaner

8. Consultation with Schools
DET ran workshops with principals and business managers in the School Reference Group in September and October to discuss the following key themes:
Quality and consistency of cleaning in schools
Services and benefits currently received by schools
Planning and organising routine and periodic cleaning
Managing additional cleaning, such as short term, unanticipated requirements
Effectively communicating with your cleaning contractor
Features and characteristics of a successful cleaning model
Feedback received has assisted with the development of the model

9. Timetable Milestone Date Announcement of reforms August 2017
Release of EOI
Evaluation of EOI and shortlist of respondents
September - October 2017
Release of RFP
November 2017
Evaluation of RFP and selected of preferred suppliers
January - February 2017
Contracts awarded
March 2018
Mobilisation period
April to June 2018
Commencement of new model
1 July 2018

10. Further Queries?
All schools and cleaning contractors have been contacted
DET will provide regular updates to all schools as these changes are implemented
For all concerns and questions, schools and cleaning companies are being directed to contact DET on:
Ph:
A fact sheet and FAQ has also been published on the DET website: