A well maintained and attractive learning environment is a necessary condition for enhancing the delivery of today’s modern curriculum and has been shown to assist in the raising of educational standards.
School buildings and grounds are in themselves valuable teaching aids and need to be flexible to adapt to changing curriculum demands. They also need to be managed to make best use of the space and facilities available.
The physical environment is recognised as having an important bearing on children’s development, behaviour and ability to learn. Within school buildings the lighting, colour, texture, acoustics, room layout and suiting can all help or hinder.
For young children and for some pupils with Special Educational Needs the outdoor environment can be as important as indoors, particularly in some inner urban areas.
This guidance is intended to outline the procedure for improving school premises by means of minor capital projects and the role and responsibilities of school authorities. Forms are also available for application.
