Perpetuity has released ‘One More Broken Window: The Impact of the Physical Environment on Schools’ report.
This was on behalf of the NASUWT to explore the relationship between schools and their physical environment.<br><br>More specifically a case study approach was used to assess the impact of three environmental ‘blights’, namely a closed down funfair, footpath and substandard housing, on three schools across the UK. Teachers, parents, students and residents were consulted to obtain their views on the effect of these ‘blights’ on issues such as pupil behaviour and academic attainment. <br><br>Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said: <br><br>“This report reinforces the NASUWT’s belief that a world-class education system cannot be achieved in isolation from the environments in which pupils live. It is questionable whether schools can meet the challenges asked of them in raising standards when there are factors outside of their control that negatively affect pupils’ aspirations, attainment and progress.<br>“Schools have a legal duty to provide pupils and staff with a safe and secure environment in which to learn and work, but, as the report highlights, many schools do not have the necessary support or powers to create secure school buildings. Action is necessary to give schools the legal tools to meet their responsibilities.”<br><br>Issues highlighted <br><br>* schools are not being given enough support from Government and local authorities in meeting their duty to provide a safe and secure environment for pupils and staff; <br>* school staff felt that living in run-down areas encourages pupils to carry out minor crimes, such as vandalism and graffiti; <br>* substandard housing, a lack of play areas and insecure school sites were all felt to have a negative impact on pupil behaviour and achievement; <br>* areas with low quality housing tend to have highly transient populations, which has a negative impact on schools’ ability to meet education standards and promote positive pupil behaviour. It can also lead to demotivation among teaching staff and high staff turnover; <br>* schools in deprived areas are under pressure to play a larger role in the community by hosting services and facilities for families. This can detract from teaching and stretch schools’ capacity; <br>* crime and fear of crime data for schools is absent or difficult to access, making it difficult for schools to make informed decisions about safety and security. <br><br>Katy Owen, Research Consultant at PRCI, lead researcher on One More Broken Window, said: “It was clear from working with the schools throughout the research that the local environment has an impact on schools, be it through behaviour, attendance or educational achievement. <br><br>“Schools located in a declining neighbourhood can be affected negatively. It is important that urban planners think about the impact of regeneration programmes on schools and, where possible, involve them in decision making.”<br><br>The research is based on the ‘Broken Windows’ theory of a spiral of decline. <br>&#160;<br>To request a copy of this report – refer to the publication section of Perpetuity’s website. Or visit the teaching union website – http://www.nasuwt.org.uk
