When should resources be checked and audited?

Life is busy as a teacher and where possible we need to delegate tasks to others. Science resources need to be checked on a regular basis so that:

• they can be kept tidy:
• to check for missing items e.g. measuring equipment, magnets:
• to check for broken equipment e.g. thermometers:
• to renew consumables e.g. batteries, kitchen towels.

Resources should be checked:

Daily

By the class using the resources; this should be done by the Class Science Resource Managers before resources are returned to storage areas.

Monthly

By pupils designated as School Science Resource Managers, for example, older pupils in the school. Alternatively classroom assistants or parent helpers could be asked to carry out this task on a regular basis.

At the end of a school year

So that resources have been checked and tidied ready for the next school year, saving a job at the beginning of a school year when everyone is busy with new children, classrooms etc.