We had such an overwhelmingly positive reaction from pupils, parents and staff that we then decided to refurbish our KS2 classrooms in this manner. Our children say that the refurbished classrooms are comfortable and enable them to concentrate more. Staff say they have more connection with the children as those at the back are seated at higher tables so have direct eye contact with the teacher and are not obscured by pupils in front. The children say the rooms have a ‘family’ feel and they can concentrate better.
They enjoy the flexible seating approach and often choose to lie on the floor or sit on the floor with a lap tray in front of them at which they work. Others stand or sit at the high tables. There is a noticeable improvement in concentration on work activities for children with ADHD. It can look very strange and different when visitors are in school but they all remark on how quiet and focused the children are.
Throughout school, we have seen a vast improvement in behaviour and relationships between pupils and they take more responsibility for looking after resources and keeping school tidy. We are so convinced of the positive benefits on children’s wellbeing that the changes to the environment have had that we are now about to refurbish the KS1 classrooms to create therapeutic style classrooms for our 5 – 7 year olds.
The average UK classroom is cluttered, uncomfortable, overwhelming and outdated, and is not designed around the needs of our children today. Let’s be honest – classrooms haven’t changed much in the last 50 years, and that is not good enough.
It’s time to raise standards and redesign the space purposefully, ensuring they are trauma informed and attachment aware. We are on a mission to change perceptions, challenge the status quo and set a new standard for UK classrooms