§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what research his Department has(a) conducted and (b) commissioned on the appropriate furniture to be used in schools to reduce back problems in children. [6820]
§ Mr. ByersThe Department has a long history of commissioning research into appropriate furniture for schools, to reduce the problems associated with muscular strain and had posture. Research commissioned by the Department's Architects and Building Branch in the 1970s and 1980s was written up and published as Building Bulletins on pupils' sizes and the heights and working dimensions of furniture.
More recently, the Department commissioned research on the suitability of information technology furniture for children in primary schools, which prompted a practical design project and an information video for LEAs, schools and designers. We are currently considering the possibility of commissioning new research in a number of areas related to the design of schools' furniture.
§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance his Department has issued to (i) local education authorities and (ii) schools on the type of chairs to be used in schools to reduce the risk of back problems among children. [6819]
§ Mr. ByersTo minimise the risk of discomfort or injury to school pupils, it is important that all school furniture—not only chairs—is designed carefully to meet the needs of those who will use it. The Department has published general guidance in Building Bulletin 62, which gives data on the size, weight and body dimensions of school pupils, and Building Bulletins 38,50, and 52, which cover the heights and working dimensions of school furniture, including chairs. Last year the Department's Architects and Building Branch produced, as examples of good practice, a new design for a computer table to meet the particular needs of younger children, and a video on information technology furniture in both primary and secondary schools. Two recent publications include detailed dimensions and specifications for furniture used in specific subjects at secondary level: Building Bulletin 80 (Science) and Building Bulletin 81 (Design and Technology). Guidance on other subject areas will follow soon.