As part of National School Environments Week, On Wednesday, 25thJune Teacher Support Network and the British Council for SchoolEnvironments (BCSE) will host an event on the importance of schoolenvironments.

The round-table discussion will bring togetherexperts from the worlds of wellbeing and school building as well asteaching and learning to discuss the issue of "working environments forboth teachers and pupils."

In 2007, the two organisations ran anonline survey asking teachers for their opinions on their schoolenvironment and the impact this has on teaching, learning and pupilbehaviour. It found that only 12 per cent of respondents thought thattheir school buildings offered an effective learning environment.

Theseresults show a real need to change the way that schools are designedand built. Although the Government is currently undertaking asignificant review and investment programme in school buildings, theorganisers believe it is of paramount importance that teachers andother experts are included in this process.

By bringing peopletogether, both Teacher Support Network and BCSE hope to improve thefuture working environments for both teachers and pupils.

TeacherSupport Network Chief Executive Patrick Nash said: "To build schoolsfor the future, designers must listen to school communities of today.Unless designers accommodate the needs of teachers, pupils and parentsalike, we could see tomorrow's children being educated in multi-millionpound misfits."

BCSE Director Ty Goddard said: ""Out teachersdeserve the very best in working environments and of course theultimate benefit is improved pupil attainment and behaviour, which issomething that we all want for our children."

The event will be held at the BCSE offices in London on Wednesday 25th June 14.15pm - 16.00pm.

BothTeacher Support Network Chief Executive Patrick Nash and BCSE DirectorTy Goddard will be available after the discussion at 4:30pm forinterview.

Ends

Teacher Support Network: Joe Williams,02075 545 237, 07825 511 927 or joe.williams@teachersupport.info BCSE:Ben Furner, Furner Communications, 01273 463461, 07946 355795 orben@bf-pr.co.uk

Notes to editors

• The British Council for School Environments (BCSE) is a membership organisation made up of schools, local authorities, construction companies, architects, and all those involved in, and passionate about, designing excellent learning environments.
• BCSE It acts as a forum for exchange, dialogue and advocacy for anyone interested in learning environments; from educators to policy makers, users to designers, managers to constructors
• BCSE's address is: 2nd Floor, Downstream Building, 1 London Bridge, London SE1 9BG.
• Teacher Support Network is a national, independent charity providing practical and emotional support to teachers (trainee, serving and retired) in the UK.
• Teacher Support Line on 08000 562 561 offers telephone information, support and counselling for all teachers in England. Staffed by trained counsellors with education expertise, it is a 24-hour, free and confidential service.