Wheatfields Infants and Nursery School use classroom based ergonomics (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Wheatfields Infants and Nursery School use classroom based ergonomics

4:10pm Friday 9th January 2009 in

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PUPILS at a St Albans school are leading the way in healthy learning after taking part in in a groundbreaking project in ergonomics.

Parents and teachers have pioneered the scheme in which the students at Wheatfields Infants School use specially designed furniture as part of their classroom based learning and activities.

MP for St Albans Anne Main visited the Downes Road school to see how the initiative works.

Hilary Apps, a parent who has got the project off the ground explained how there is a legal requirement in the workplace to ensure the posture of employees is correct for their height and weight, but there is nothing for schools.

She said: “At the moment we are working with teachers from each year group on how we can integrate good posture into the classroom culture, and coach children so that it becomes second nature to them.

At the school, computers are set up at different stages where the children stand and use them at correct heights.

Writing slopes are used to prevent the pupils from slouching at their desk to improve back posture.

The Ergonomics Unit of FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) has helped to assess the impact of furniture on the children's posture, comfort and attentiveness.

The school is also the first to be using the scheme across the country.

Mrs Main, said: “I think it is wonderful the pupils are being so involved with the tools they have.

“There are two sides to it. To improve their health and to also see that they are learning more about why they are doing what they are.”

Mrs Main spoke to some of the children and asked them about the stools they were using and why. She said she was amazed to hear them give her such an accurate answer, even of they had to think about it.

Head teacher Carolyn Booth, said: “Since starting the project last year we've seen a definite improvement throughout the school in children's posture at computer workstations.

“We've also found that children who have used the adjustable sloping desks and writing slopes have been sitting better.”

The school hopes that the children and parents take home what they learn to incorporate it in their life at home.