Collaborative Post¦ A school’s environment has a significant impact on both students’ wellbeing and their academic success. And this extends to the physical surroundings. Classroom layout, lighting, noise levels and temperature can all affect how comfortable pupils feel, plus their ability to focus, especially if they’re facing additional challenges such as autism or ADHD.
So it’s all part of creating a positive school culture.
Here are a few things you could do to improve your pupils’ immediate surroundings, and therefore their welfare:
1.) Get the temperature right
A consistently comfortable temperature enhances learning, while minimising distractions and potential health risks. If a classroom is uncomfortably hot or cold, it can have a significant negative impact on children’s ability to focus. In some cases, extreme conditions can also exacerbate underlying medical conditions – equally, there can be consequences for staff and their ability to work effectively.
Although there is no legal maximum working temperature for schools (in common with other workplaces), the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 means employers must ensure staff’s welfare, while the Health and Safety Executive enforces this legal requirement.
Air conditioner hire provides flexible temperature control when you need it, for example in a heatwave or to cool a building for a specific occasion such as a prize day.
Keep the kids cool and reduce stress and fatigue, while also enjoying improved air quality. Choosing energy-efficient solutions often attracts government funding and incentives, while regular maintenance is typically taken care of through your hire agreement.
2.) Get students exercising outdoors
Government guidelines recommend children and young people aged between five and 18 do moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for around an hour a day, ideally spread across the week. Crucially, this doesn’t have to take place indoors. Outdoor school gym equipment can be just as effective as the ropes and horse bench we all remember from our school days, if not more so.
Open-air workout facilities enhance mental and emotional wellbeing, including things like mood and sleep, while also encouraging social interaction. Designed to be accessible, they foster a sense of inclusion and community and ultimately improve academic performance and concentration. These amenities suit kids of all ages and levels of ability, allowing them to develop healthy habits for life as they get and stay fit.
Finally, gym pieces provide structured workouts, in a way that a vague notion of exercising by going for a walk or run can’t.
3.) Outdoor furniture
Outdoor furniture is more important in creating the optimal school environment than you may have realised – so it shouldn’t be an afterthought or ‘nice to have’. Having the right items outside helps create excellent teaching spaces while maximising the many benefits of open-air learning.
Additionally, such pieces enhance the appearance of a school’s exterior, so that these spots look more cared for, professional and inviting.
Teak garden furniture is always a great investment for schools, mainly thanks to its huge durability, low maintenance requirements and sustainability. What’s more, its natural oils resist rot, insects and the elements, guaranteeing longevity and meaning you’ll rarely, if ever, need to replace tables, chairs and so on. Teak is ideal for furniture that gets a lot of use, while its natural elegance and warm tones create a smart-looking environment, whether pupils are learning outdoors, having lunch or just socialising.
Cover photo by RDNE Stock project