The room definitely has a really calm feel about it and in my opinion (although still early days) this is having an effect on the children. The table setup has had a positive impact on communication activities – the children are far more cohesive and work collaboratively. Initially, I had concerns about the children not having trays for their belongings, but having given each table a basket, the children now have collective responsibility for looking after their belongings, and we no longer have letters stuffed in trays (never to make it home!).
We love the classroom and we are so glad that we had the refurbishment. It is very much a focal point of the school – visitors love it, the younger children enjoy popping in to see it, and it has become the staff meeting room of choice!