Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 4 July 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 July 2006. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Monday, 10 July 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Ergonomic Classroom Facilities

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what requirements his Department is placing on school planners to install ergonomic classroom facilities into schools under the Building Schools for the Future programme; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Department does not place any specific requirement on school planners to install ergonomic classroom facilities into schools under the Building Schools for the Future programme, or its other capital programmes. This is a matter for local decision-making.However, good quality design is given a high priority within Building Schools for the Future. This includes designing all classrooms to meet the ergonomic needs of all staff and pupils, including those with special needs and disabilities, by providing adequate space and appropriate furniture and equipment.The Department has issued a number of guides on school design including one on furniture and equipment. It has also supported the development of a school furniture website which advises on ergonomic issues in schools and it ran a furniture design competition in 2002 with the Design Council to encourage innovative designs for classroom furniture. A forthcoming guide will provide advice on all aspects of designing for pupils with special needs including furniture and equipment.

Secondary information