With over 50 years’ experience in supplying and maintaining commercial equipment, schools and other education settings across the UK trust JLA to take care of it. JLA understands the challenge of planning and executing major works without disrupting the school day – and your students’ learning. It’s why, whether you’re upgrading your kitchen facilities, laundry rooms or heating systems, timing and planning are critical.
Summer holidays remain the ideal window
It’s the most obvious response, but the summer break will always present the best opportunity to carry out any larger-scale installations with minimal disruption. With students off-site and fewer staff around, there’s more freedom to complete even the most complex works safely and efficiently, and it means everything will be operational well before the start of the new academic year.
The key here is forward planning, and finding a trusted, reliable supplier.
When other downtime periods are worth considering
The two-week Christmas and Easter breaks offer a strong alternative to a summer install and these holidays are particularly well suited to those smaller, less complex projects that are unlikely to overrun or interfere with day-to-day operations.
Again, though, scheduling is essential – make sure to align your timelines carefully with term dates, staff training and any exam periods.
Can installation work be done during term time?
School holidays might be the preferred time for planned equipment upgrades, but they’re not the only option. With the right partnership in place and a clear plan to follow, it’s always possible to carry out works during term time, especially with emergency replacements and growing demands.
At JLA, we’ve supported countless schools to complete essential projects around lunch breaks, timetables and the needs of their pupils – safely, quickly and with minimal disruption.
Funding, planning and budgeting
Timing aside, your budget planning is another crucial part of the process. Many schools will plan new installs following budget renewals or look to government funding or grants to help deliver essential upgrades.
Planning early can help you get the right solutions in place for years to come. Energy-efficient upgrades can deliver long-term cost savings too – helping you balance budgets while meeting sustainability goals.
How long will a project take?
The scope of any upgrade will determine the timeframe. Large-scale works – such as full kitchen or laundry room refurbishments – are best reserved for longer breaks. Simpler projects, such as installing a new dishwasher, can often be completed much more quickly.
A trusted supplier like JLA will always recommend the most practical, cost-effective solution for your school and work with you to deliver it on time.
For more information about JLA’s services for the education sector, please visit jla.com/education