From the Teacher Support Network, www.teachersupport.info.

SCHOOL BUILDINGS WORKING AGAINST EFFORTS TO IMPROVE BEHAVIOUR SAY TEACHERS

School buildings are working against the best efforts of teachers to improve pupil behaviour, new research has revealed. More than half of teachers who responded to the 2010 School Environments Survey felt that their school building was not supporting their "ability to teach effectively by providing an environment that has a positive influence on behaviour."

Results of the survey conducted by Teacher Support Network and the British Council for School Environments (BCSE) with the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) showed that teachers overwhelmingly agreed (95.8%) that the school environment had an influence on pupil behaviour, with 52.1% believing that their surroundings had a negative effect. The figures come following Monday's rally on Westminster and as MPs gather for a debate today following the axing of the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Overall, teachers were more satisfied with their school buildings now than they were in 2007 when asked in a similar survey. 74.3% of teachers described their school as "effective" or "adequate" at "providing an effective learning environment" in 2010 compared to 67.7% in 2007, suggesting that building investment had made a positive impact on teachers, but more work is required.

Among teachers' criticisms were lack of space for students to "relax", lack of "exciting, flexible and appropriately sized classrooms for students". One teacher said "we currently have 250 more students in our school than we were designed to accommodate". There was also significant concern for "good quality toilets" causing one teacher to comment "students are very vocal about inadequate toilet facilities, which makes them feel unrespected."

"In spite of the current funding climate, we hope that resources will be found in the years ahead to ensure that modern and well equipped schools continue to be commissioned in order to repair and replace those school buildings that need updating across the country" says Julian Stanley, Chief Executive of Teacher Support Network, who helped carry out the survey. "While it is undoubtedly the case that well trained and well supported teachers are vital to successful educational outcomes, continued long-term investment to improve many of the dilapidated school premises that still exist across the UK must surely be a wise use of tax payers' money, benefiting communities for generations to come. It is also in the best interests of pupils and teachers to ensure that our schools are safe, bright, well equipped and exciting learning spaces."

Ty Goddard, Chief Executive of BCSE, added: "The survey shows school environments matter. Money invested in school buildings is an investment in teachers and children, not a wasted luxury. We need professional environments which support our teachers to do their jobs."

ATL general secretary, Dr Mary Bousted, said: "Teachers work incredibly hard to give their pupils a good education regardless of the physical environment, but it is much harder for children to concentrate if the classroom is too hot or cold or they can't hear properly because of noises from outside. Investment is desperately needed to remove asbestos from schools and provide access and facilities for pupils and staff with disabilities. We can't stress enough that for teachers and children to teach and learn in an effective manner, school buildings need to be safe, clean, and inspiring. Grotty toilets, damp and dirty buildings are not the right places to make children feel they and their education matter."