The Infrastructure of Primary Schools

Infrastructure is the underlying organizational structure that is necessary for a particular operation, such as a school. Infrastructure involves both the general supplies needed by the school to remain functional, the labor needed to carry out various basic operations, and the general relationships between staff members and the administration.

School Building

Primary schools need all of the things that most buildings need, such as climate control, lights, plumbing and electricity. Schools need general building maintenance to keep the young children safe. Desks can receive damage and may need repairs. Primary schools often have playgrounds with equipment that can become dangerous if not properly maintained.

Cafeteria

Students are in school long enough that they need a period of time to eat lunch. This lunch period also gives students an opportunity for a break, as well as allowing them to eat some food. Schools often provide meals for students. These schools must provide meals that are nutritious and that are prepared in a safe manner. The meals are planned based on the ages of the students, since younger students do not need as much food. Some students bring their own lunches, and some pay for their lunches at the cafeteria. The school must hire cafeteria personnel to cook and serve the lunches.

Custodianship

Like anywhere else, primary schools inevitably get dirty. Custodians are needed to clean up the school, mostly after the school closes for the night. However, some custodians clean during the day, such as if there is a mishap. Also, the cafeterias are usually cleaned after each round of students passes through.

Transportation

Some schools have students walk to the school, while others have school buses, especially when the students have a significant distance to walk and when the school has the funding to afford school buses. Buses are also needed to transport students to and from sporting events and field trips. School bus drivers with bus driving licenses are hired to transport the students.

Curriculum Materials

Students usually need special resources to allow them to master certain subject areas. For the science curriculum, teachers usually need laboratories in which the students can carry out experiments. These laboratories need both the appropriate equipment, such as beakers and crucibles, and also floors that can resist chemical burns and stains. For the English curriculum, teachers often need access to libraries, allowing students to practice reading. For the science equipment, schools need access to vendors that supply this equipment. Libraries need librarians and age-appropriate books.

Teacher Contract

The relationship between the faculty and the school are often governed by the teacher's contract, which takes into consideration the teacher compensation, benefits, the hours that the teacher works, the class size, procedures for teacher evaluation and remediation. School curriculum and policies are also a part of the overall infrastructure.