A positive
 view on school furniture

Back in 2008, a significant percentage of head teachers (54 per cent of primary and 60 per cent of secondary) agreed that their school had sufficient and suitable furniture and storage units. By 2010 there was a sizeable shift in this view with little more than a third of primary schools agreeing that they had adequate furniture. However, this year, we are starting to see the pattern of schools’ perception of furniture shift again.
    
Our ‘Resources in English Maintained Schools’ research is carried out annually to ensure we get the full picture of any trends. This year we are certainly seeing a more positive outlook, with an increasing percentage of the 600 primary and 306 secondary teachers surveyed feeling they have sufficient suitable furniture infrastructure compared with the previous year. However, while this is improving, it is still low; just 11 per cent of primary and nine per cent of secondary schools hold this opinion compared with five per cent of all schools last year.
    
So, despite a slight increase in satisfaction with their furniture provision, schools’ views of rising budgets is bringing an increasing demand for new furniture. Surveyed schools forecast a 6.5 per cent increase in furniture investment in 2013/14.
    
Secondary schools in particular expect an eight per cent significant positive shift in spending on furniture with 56 per cent forecasting a positive outlook for spending on furniture, compared with 45 per cent last year.

Reasons for growing demand
So, what is causing this current increase in demand for furniture in schools? Murray Hudson, managing director at school storage space supplier, Gratnells, and Chair of BESA’s furniture special interest group, is also an increasing demand due to a lack of classroom space.

He commented: “There has certainly been growth in the furniture sector – we are seeing a greater requirement to maximise space. Schools are not getting any bigger and with pressure on pupil numbers, making the most of every inch is important.”
    
Will Hinks, managing director at another BESA member organisation, Metalliform, and backed up this fact by stating: “There is no doubt that more schools have the budgetary confidence to invest in classroom refurbishment and there is a growing realisation that comfortable ergonomically correct furniture aids learning through improved concentration spans and behaviour. Modern school furniture is also easily adaptable to suit differing teaching styles.”
    
Clive Gilbert, managing director at BESA member organisation, Morleys of Bicester, commented: “There are a number of reasons for the increasing forecast of investment. Firstly, schools are looking for innovative ways to increase storage space, as rising pupil numbers are putting pressure on classroom space. Flexibility of learning spaces is also a key topic as the increased introduction of technology focusses schools on how areas such as libraries can be used in the future. Changes in Government policy over primary school meals has already led to an increased interest in dining solutions and equipment. And finally, the renewed importance of practical science bodes well for specialist furniture in this key area of study.”

Making the most of limited space
EME Furniture picks up on Clive Gilbert’s comment about space requirements. “With space being at a premium in many schools, we have seen increased demand for modular, multi-functional furniture. As existing schools are refurbished or extended, consideration is being given to making previously idle spaces into useful learning zones and this is leading to an increase in purchases of flexible loose furniture.”

Rise in primary sector demand
BESA member organisation, British Thornton, has noticed an increase in demand from the primary sector in particular. “British Thornton has seen a marked increase in loose furniture purchases from our catalogue customers across all sectors. In particular, we have seen significant growth with our range for primary schools as they break away from the traditional classroom and invest in quality furniture which allows more flexible learning spaces.”
    
Another reason for the emphasis on furniture investment is of course the increased confidence in schools. Our research showed that an increasing number of schools are optimistic about all areas of funding with 63 per cent of primary and 46 per cent of secondary schools feeling they are adequately funded, an 8.6 per cent increase from 2013.
    
It is therefore good news for schools. However, as the sector’s trade association who works with the Government to support the improvement of standards, we must remind schools that buying furniture that will both help support learning and safeguard children’s health is vital.

A new standard
Many of the UK’s leading school furniture suppliers are members of BESA, which is committed to improving the quality and safety of school furniture. Over recent years BESA’s furniture group has successfully campaigned for the introduction of a new British standard for classroom furniture, BSEN1729, which ensures that tables, desks and chairs made for school use are properly shaped, sized and developed to prevent long-term damage to children’s backs and help children concentrate on learning without suffering discomfort.
    
BESA recommends that schools consider each of the following five key areas when purchasing classroom and outdoor furniture. These are health and safety, durability and strength, sizing, mobility and functionality and of course after care and servicing.
    
Following this advice and ensuring all furniture bought conforms to the new BSEN1729 standard will ensure you are investing wisely.

Further information
www.besa.org.uk