Quick answer: The start of a new school year is the best time to audit notice boards: replace faded or damaged felt, fix any outdoor boards whose glazing has yellowed or whose locks have failed, and make sure entrance, safeguarding and classroom display boards are clean, current and fit for purpose. A quick refresh over the summer means every board is ready for the first day back.
Notice boards are easy to overlook until September arrives and they look tired. A short summer audit, while corridors are quiet, gets every board, indoor and outdoor, back to its best. Here is a practical checklist.
Browse the full notice board range and the outdoor and weatherproof range, or call 01382 913 913 for advice.
1. Audit your entrance and outdoor boards first
The boards visitors see first set the tone. Check exterior notice boards for the common signs of weather wear: yellowed or cloudy glazing, a door seal that no longer closes flush, or a lock that has seized. If glazing has discoloured or water has reached the display, it is time to replace the board with a sealed, lockable unit such as the Exterior Weatherproof Lockable Noticeboard or the Weatherproof Wall-Mounted Noticeboard. For the full criteria, see our guide to choosing an outdoor notice board.
2. Check safeguarding and statutory display boards
Safeguarding, policy and statutory information boards must be current, legible and securely displayed. A lockable or tamperproof board keeps required notices in place and prevents unauthorised changes. Confirm the contents are up to date for the new year and that the board itself is clean and undamaged.
3. Refresh classroom and corridor display boards
Felt and fabric display boards take a year of pins and posters. Look for fabric that has faded, torn or filled with old pin holes, and frames that have come loose. Fresh boards transform a classroom or corridor display, and a clean surface makes the first new display of the year stand out. Browse felt, fabric and combination options in the notice board collection.
4. Plan your display zones for the year
Before term starts, decide what each board is for: celebration of work, key information, class news, or seasonal and awareness-day displays. Assigning a purpose to each board keeps displays organised and makes them easier to keep current through the year. A mix of pinnable notice boards and writable surfaces gives the most flexibility.
5. Order early to be ready for day one
Summer is the busiest period for school orders, so allow lead time for any boards that need replacing, particularly bespoke sizes or outdoor units. Ordering in good time means installation can happen before staff and pupils return.
A quick summer notice board checklist
- Outdoor boards: glazing clear, door sealing, lock working?
- Safeguarding and statutory boards: current, legible, secure?
- Classroom and corridor boards: fabric and frames in good condition?
- Display zones planned and purposes assigned?
- Replacements ordered with enough lead time for September?
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to replace school notice boards?
The summer break is ideal, as corridors and classrooms are quiet and installation can be completed before pupils return. Auditing boards at the end of the summer term and ordering replacements early ensures everything is ready for the first day back.
How do I know if an outdoor notice board needs replacing?
Replace an outdoor board if the glazing has yellowed or clouded, the door no longer seals flush, water has reached the display, or the lock has failed. These faults let the weather in and make the board look neglected. A sealed, lockable, UV-glazed showcase is the durable replacement.
What type of notice board is best for a school entrance?
For an external entrance, a sealed, lockable weatherproof showcase is best, as it protects notices from rain and tampering. For an internal reception, a smart framed felt or combination board works well. Both should be sized so key information is readable at a glance.
Should safeguarding information be on a lockable board?
A lockable or tamperproof board is a sensible choice for safeguarding and statutory information, as it keeps required notices securely in place and prevents unauthorised removal or changes, while still allowing authorised staff to update the contents.
Get your boards ready for September
Whether you need outdoor showcases, safeguarding boards or fresh classroom display boards, we can help you specify and install in time for the new year. Browse notice boards and outdoor display cases, call 01382 913 913, or email info@presentationspaces.co.uk.