Page 20 - ECDoE_Planning and Delivery of School Infrastructure_Status Report_Jan2020

Minimum Uniform Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure
Lack of decent infrastructure for public schools in South Africa is one of the major legacies of apartheid. The provision of basic infrastructure for public schools is the responsibility of government. The new democratic government is committed to addressing the inequalities of the past and providing an environment which is conducive to teaching and learning through the provision of basic school infrastructure.
Regulations relating to minimum uniform norms and standards for public school infrastructure was passed in November 2013 by the Department of Basic Education in accordance with the South African Schools Act (84/1996). These regulations set out the requirements for providing school infrastructure levels of service, and the applicable time frames for implementation. The regulations aim to:
- Provide uniform norms and standards for public school infrastructure;
- Ensure that the design and construction of new schools and additions, alterations and improvements to existing schools, comply with uniform norms and standards; and
- Provide time frames for the eradication of school infrastructure backlogs.
All public primary and secondary schools are affected by the norms and standards and therefore all educators and learners at these schools will bene t from any changes brought about in their school infrastructure in alignment with the norms and standards contained in the regulations. These Regulations also make provision for universal access to schools, i.e. accessibility to schools by learners with physical disabilities.
The diagram below provides a futuristic view of an ideal school which meets the norms and standards.
MINIMUM SIZES
Maximum learners per class
30
per learner
1.6m2
Minimum classroom size
60m2
per learner with per
Grade R
special needs
educator
2m2 7m2
Own unisex sanitation facilities Own play area
Maximum learners per class
Minimum classroom size
48m2
40
per learner
1m2
per learner with per
Grade 1 to 12
special needs
educator
2m2 7m2
Multimedia Centre
80m2
Combined library and computer function. Must have a suitable library collection which is replenished to meet the school’s requirements. Must be administered.
Computer Room
60m2
Did you know?
A suitable location for a new school should ensure easy access to roads and basic services and schools must also not be located close or next to cemeteries, business centres, railway stations, taxi ranks, sewage treatment plants, public hostels, busy roads, bottle stores and shebeens.
20 | Planning and delivery of Public School Infrastructure - Status Report January 2020
ABLUTION BLOCKS
CLASSROOMS
SCIENCE & MULTIMEDIA
CLASSROOMS
SCIENCE & CLASSROOMS MULTIMEDIA
DINING, NUTRITION AND CHANGE ROOMS
SPORTS FIELD
ADMINISTRATION
GRADE R