Children in a school spend hours each day in shared spaces. They sit
close to each other, share toys and equipment, eat in groups and use
common washrooms. That is part of the joy of school, and it is also why
health and hygiene deserve careful attention. A school that treats
cleanliness and wellbeing as a daily priority protects not only your
child’s health but also their attendance, mood and energy.
This school health and hygiene checklist helps
parents in Gunjur, Varthur, Sarjapur and across Bengaluru East judge a
campus with their own eyes. It also shares what M S Dhoni Global School
(MSDGS) publishes about its health-first approach and cleanliness
routines. Use it together with our guide on school
safety and security.
Why Hygiene Is More Than
Cleanliness
A truly healthy school environment combines:
- Clean spaces: classrooms, washrooms, corridors and
play areas - Good habits: handwashing, safe food handling,
personal hygiene - Health services: first aid, an infirmary, a nurse
or doctor access - Clear policies: illness, allergies, medication and
emergencies - Education: teaching children and families about
health
Washrooms: The Honest Test
Washrooms tell you more about a school than almost any other space.
Check for:
- Cleanliness: no smell, no standing water, no
overflowing bins - Supplies: soap, water, toilet paper or
alternatives, and working taps - Suitability: child-sized fixtures for young
children - Privacy and safety: doors that close, adequate
lighting and staff nearby - Frequency of cleaning: ask the school for the
schedule
MSDGS states that washrooms are cleaned every two hours with daily
deep cleaning, and that the school follows daily sanitisation and
monthly deep cleaning. When you visit, look at a washroom at mid-morning
and judge whether the description matches reality.
Classrooms and Common Areas
- Are floors clean and dry?
- Is there good ventilation and natural light?
- Are desks and furniture wiped regularly?
- Are bins covered and emptied?
- Are shared items such as toys, books and equipment cleaned?
MSDGS describes well-ventilated classrooms with built-in storage
cupboards, which helps keep clutter down. Ask the school how often
classrooms are sanitised, particularly in the early years where children
put objects in their mouths.
Drinking Water and Food
Drinking water
Ask about the source of drinking water, how it is purified, how often
filters are serviced and whether children can access water throughout
the day.
Food and snacks
If the school has a canteen or provides meals, ask about hygiene
standards, menu planning and allergy management. If children bring food
from home, ask about policies on sharing and allergens, such as
nuts.
Eating spaces
Check that eating areas are clean and supervised. Handwashing before
meals should be a routine.
Health Services on Campus
Infirmary
An infirmary gives sick or injured children a safe place to rest and
receive care. MSDGS reports two dedicated infirmary rooms. Ask to see
them. A well-run infirmary has beds, basic equipment, medication stored
safely and records of visits.
Nurse or medical staff
MSDGS states that a resident nurse is available throughout the school
day. Ask about the nurse’s qualifications, whether a doctor visits and
what happens in emergencies. Ask about tie-ups with a nearby
hospital.
First aid
Check for first-aid kits in classrooms, playgrounds and buses, and
ask who is trained to use them.
Health records
Ask how the school records allergies, chronic conditions and
immunisations, and how this information is shared with relevant
staff.
Illness Policy
Clear illness rules protect all children.
- When should a sick child stay at home?
- How soon must parents be informed of contagious illness in the
class? - What is the process for children returning after an illness?
- How are parents contacted if a child falls ill at school?
A good school informs parents promptly and communicates calmly. Keep
your contact numbers up to date.
Vaccination and Records
MSDGS lists a copy of the vaccination card among its admission
documents. Keep your child’s immunisations current, and talk to your
paediatrician about any gaps. See our document
checklist for school admission.
Hygiene in Early Years
Younger children need extra care. In Nursery to UKG, ask:
- How are toileting accidents handled? Is spare clothing
available? - Are nappy changes, if needed, handled hygienically and
privately? - How often are toys and learning materials cleaned?
- How are children taught to wash hands, cough into elbows and use
tissues?
Read our guide to the best preschool and nursery in
Gunjur for more early-years questions.
Physical Health and Activity
Health is also about movement and rest. Look for:
- Daily physical activity and outdoor play
- Space and equipment suited to different ages
- Shade and drinking water on the playground
- Safe sports facilities, with trained coaches
MSDGS has a sports complex of about two acres and describes a
health-first approach, with sports mentors who advise parents on diet.
Read school with a
sports academy in Bengaluru East and yoga and mindfulness
for school children.
Mental and Emotional Health
Wellbeing includes feelings as well as bodies.
- Does the school have a counsellor or trained staff to support
children? - How does it address stress, bullying and exam pressure?
- Are children taught to name and manage emotions?
- Is there a safe way for children to ask for help?
Programmes such as Leader In Me, yoga, music and art can support
emotional balance. See Leader In Me school
programme explained.
Transport Hygiene and Health
Ask whether buses are cleaned regularly, whether children with
illnesses are advised to stay home, and how motion sickness or accidents
are handled. For safety features, see the school bus safety
checklist.
A Printable Hygiene
Checklist
| Area | What to check | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Washrooms | Clean, stocked, cleaned regularly | |
| Classrooms | Ventilated, tidy, sanitised | |
| Drinking water | Purified, accessible | |
| Food areas | Clean, supervised, allergy-aware | |
| Infirmary | Equipped, staffed, accessible | |
| Nurse | Present through school hours | |
| First aid | Kits available, staff trained | |
| Illness policy | Clear, communicated | |
| Early-years care | Gentle, hygienic, patient | |
| Emotional support | Counsellor or trained staff |
What You Can Do at Home
- Teach handwashing before meals and after using the toilet.
- Keep fingernails trimmed and clothes clean.
- Ensure your child gets enough sleep, nutritious meals and
water. - Keep sick children at home until they recover.
- Pack a labelled water bottle and tissues.
- Share health information with the school promptly.
Seasonal Health Matters in
Bengaluru
Bengaluru’s climate brings its own health considerations, and a good
school plans for them.
Monsoon months. Damp weather increases colds,
stomach infections and mosquito-borne illness. Ask how the school
manages stagnant water, pest control and fogging, and how it advises
families when infections circulate.
Warm months. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can
affect outdoor play. Ask about water breaks, shaded areas and adjusting
sports timings.
Cooler mornings. Children may catch coughs and
colds. Encourage light layers, and ask about the school’s policy on
sending children back after illness.
Dust and air quality. Construction near growing
neighbourhoods can raise dust levels. Ask how classrooms are kept clean
and whether children with asthma or allergies get support.
Parents can help by keeping vaccinations current, teaching good
hygiene habits and sending children to school only when they are
well.
Teaching Children Healthy
Habits
Hygiene works best when children understand why it matters. Use
simple, positive explanations: “Washing hands removes germs we cannot
see.” Make it fun with songs, stickers or a family challenge. Reinforce
at home what the school teaches, and praise effort. Over time, these
habits will protect your child for life.
Questions About
Food Allergies and Medication
If your child has a food allergy or takes regular medication, tell
the school clearly and in writing. Ask who will be trained to respond,
where emergency medication will be stored and how the staff will
recognise a reaction. Share a short emergency plan from your child’s
doctor. Schools handle many children with health needs, and a good
school will take your information seriously and keep it confidential
while sharing it with those who need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are
washrooms cleaned at MSDGS?
The school states that washrooms are cleaned every two hours, with
daily deep cleaning, daily sanitisation and monthly deep cleaning.
Is there a nurse on campus?
Yes. The school reports a resident nurse available throughout the
school day and two infirmary rooms.
Does the school ask
for vaccination records?
Yes. A copy of the vaccination card is among the required admission
documents.
What is the school’s health
approach?
The website describes a Health First Approach. You can read more on
the school’s Health First Approach
page and Cleanliness and Hygiene
page.
Visit and Judge for Yourself
A clean, caring campus is easy to recognise when you walk through it.
Arrange a visit through the admission
enquiry page or call +91-7599507777 or +91-7599607777.
