9 Of The Best Social Distancing Products To Get Back To School Safely

Preparing to get back to school safely? Total Merchandise is here to help every step of the way, with a range of A* ideas guaranteed to help make the experience as easy and worry-free as possible for all involved.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally written in May 2020 and has been updated in February 2021 following the government's announcement that schools across England would reopen on March 8th 2021.

As we all emerge into the new normal, there will be a variety of changes that schools across the country might need to make in order to ensure the wellbeing of their students and staff in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

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From implementing social distancing measures to providing pupils with printed pencil cases that can be easily wiped down, there are all sorts of things your school can do to make the transition into a new way of working and learning as easy as possible for everyone.

At Total Merchandise, we have a wide range of social distancing products, with items suitable for nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools and colleges. We've got everything you could need from printed hi vis vests for teachers to wear at break times to non-contact thermometers for the nurse's office; branded hand sanitisers to promotional face masks... And so much more.

As well as offering the practicality of these products, investing in social distancing measures is also a great way to show your staff - as well as students and their parents - that your schools is doing all it can to follow guidelines from the government to ensure everyone's health and wellbeing. Offering these reassurances has never been more important, especially in regards to the uncertainties surrounding when, exactly, kids will go back to school. 

With all that in mind, browse some of our must-see ideas below - and don't forget to explore our full range of social distancing products for schools and contact us to get a quote for your UK school today. Need a hand? We're more than happy to help. You can get in touch with a member of the Total Merchandise team via info@totalmerchandise.co.uk or by calling 01376 509092.

#1 Wipe Clean Branded Pencil Cases

With the UK government advising that schools provide pupils with pencil cases that can be wiped down at the end of each use, it could be savvy to invest in an easy-clean option. After all: it's a simple way to prevent children from borrowing each other's pens and pencils, which in turn can help to stop the spread of germs and cross-contamination. 

Our classic Pencil Case Kits fit the bill perfectly and are packed with all the stationery items your pupils could need on a typical day, including a logo-branded pen, promotional pencil and printed eraser, as well as a pencil sharpener that features your logo. These items and the pencil case itself are all available in a range of colours, meaning there's an option to suit the branding of every UK school. 

#2 Lancaster Clear PVC Backpacks

These clear promotional drawstring bags are a great alternative to classic school bags or even PE bags. Printed with your logo in one colour, it offers striking visibility for your brand and is comfortable for students of all ages to wear. Made from PVC, they're easy to clean and ideal 

With a minimum order of just 50 units, these custom drawstring bags are a budget-friendly must-have - and can be dispatched in as little as six working days from artwork approval. 

#3 Social Distancing Signage

We'll start with the biggie. With everything from social distancing self cling window stickers to full colour social distancing posters available, we have a range of special signage available to remind staff and pupils to adhere to the government guidelines. And it's not limited to just indoors, either; our anti-slip social distancing floor stickers are suitable for use on tarmac and pavement, too

Available with our striking social distancing artwork by default, these promotional products can also be custom-printed with your own branding, too. It's entirely up to you - but whichever option you choose, you can be assured that your safety reminders will be truly unmissable.

#4 Double Layer Reusable Face Masks

With secondary school students required to wear face coverings during lessons when returning to the classroom in March 2021, it's important to get stocked up on face masks ASAP.

Branded face masks are a fuss-free way to not only offer an extra layer of protection but also add a touch of school spirit to proceedings, with our best selling Double Layer Reusable Face Mask available to be printed with your school's logo in full colour.

Also of note are our Youth's Double Layer Shaped Reusable Face Coverings, which are available in a range of sizes and can be printed with your school insignia in one striking colour. Ready for dispatch from as little as nine working days, these promotional face coverings can be ordered from just 50 units, at unbeatable low prices!

#5 Social Distancing Safety Reflective Vest

If your staff already wear custom hi vis when patrolling at breaktimes and lunchtimes, you might to consider upgrading to our printed hi vis vests, which come branded with social distancing slogans. 

Offering a reminder to staff, students and visitors that they should keep a distance and stay alert, each personalised hi vis vest is available in your choice of fluorescent yellow or orange. Whichever colour you choose, you can be confident that the message will be read, loud and clear! 

#6 Individually Named Mini Lunch Box Cooler Bags

Our branded lunch cooler bags are available in three colours and are printed with your school logo as well as the individual names of your students and staff. 

Ideal for swerving confusion (and subsequent cross-contamination) at lunchtime, these branded lunch coolers bags are available in ten different colours; with a minimum order of just 25 units, they're perfect for ordering for individual classes. 

#7 Wall Mounted Branded Hand Sanitiser Dispenser

The perfect size for incorporating into classrooms and hallways, these Wall Mounted Hand Sanitiser Dispensers are available to order from just ten units. 

Touch-free, these branded hand sanitiser dispensers are operated via a clever automatic sensor - cutting the need for touching the dispenser with potentially dirty hands. 

Also of note is our Stainless Steel Pedal Hand Sanitiser Station, which is operated by foot and ideal for positioning by the main entrance to the school. As well as encouraging staff, students and guests to clean their hands the moment they enter the premises, it's also a great visual demonstration of the measures your school is taking to be more Covid-secure. 

#8 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometers

A must-have for your school's medical office, these touch-free branded thermometers offer a quick and accurate reading in mere seconds.

With a high temperature a tell-tale symptom of Coronavirus, being able to check the temperature of students and staff in a fuss-free and hygienic way is of paramount importance. Available to order from just five units, this health and hygiene product is an essential item for any UK school - and can be dispatched in as little as three working days. 

#9 Essential Office Protection Pack

Finally! Whilst your school might well have a team of cleaners, it can't hurt to provide products that your staff can use as and when they wish, too.

Our Essential Office Protection Pack contains a range of cleaning products, as well as must-have health and hygiene items, too. As well as Dettol Antibacterial Wipes and Astonish Antibacterial Spray, you'll also receive face masks, hand sanitiser bottles, vinyl gloves, social distancing signage... And more!

Our office hygiene and distancing protection packs are also available in a basic format (containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and hazard tape - shown below), as well as a premium edition (which comes complete with desk dividers, a UV sterilising box and a thermometer gun). 

From promotional merchandise for schools to branded social distancing products, Total Merchandise has all the branded items your business could need. Need help finding a specific item? Simply contact a member of our friendly and experienced Sales team on 01376 509092 or email info@totalmerchandise.co.uk! Visit our Coronavirus Hub for more information and updates.

Main image via Pexels.