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Safe seats of learning

FIRA has produced a call to action to improve furniture used in educational institutions.

Safe seats of learning: How good school furniture can make a difference declares that a lot of furniture currently used in schools and colleges is not flexible, is bad for users' health [incidence of recurrent back pain in 10-16 year olds is alarmingly high] and is not fit for purpose. The report also suggests the factors which drive the purchase of educational furniture are often the cost  and the outdated idea that 'one size fits all'.

“Furniture in schools should help create an environment that supports the widest possible range of teaching and learning strategies,” said Senior Ergonomist Levent Caglar. “It must safeguard the wellbeing of children and remove barriers to concentration, communication and information. The furniture also has to be efficient, flexible and sustainable to meet the requirements of tomorrow’s learning environments”.

Research, focus groups and consultation with purchasers of school furniture identified shortcomings in four key areas of furniture selection: ergonomics, teaching, quality and procurement. Safe seats of learning recognises these shortcomings and provides motivation for improvement in each area.

To coincide with the report, FIRA has organised a free half day seminar with the same title on 14 May at the Royal Society of Arts. This will also see the launch of the new FIRA mark for educational furniture, a certification scheme aimed at manufacturers. To book a place, please contact FIRA marketing on 01438 777700 or email .

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