Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 September 2004. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 September 2004 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what (a) assessment his Department has made and (b) guidance he has issued on the ergonomics of school furniture.

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what (a) assessment his Department has made and (b) guidance he has issued on the ergonomics of school furniture. [186145] Mr. Miliband: In 2001 my Department oversaw and part-funded the largest data collection of children's sizes since the 1950's, and contributed to a European Standard on School Furniture (due at the end of this year) to allow children to be better "fitted" to several furniture size marks. An interactive website is being prepared which will enable specifiers to accurately determine the size of furniture that a child should be using. Published in 2000, my Department's Furniture and Equipment Guide has detailed section on design quality with ergonomic considerations for various types of adjustable furniture. The Department is represented on relevant BSI committees and works closely with, amongst others the British Educational Supplies Association, the furniture Industry Research Association and the Design Council on furniture issues.

Secondary information