Ingatestone Junior School introduced Height Adjustable Furniture in 2008 for all children. After much research and communication with Dr Soomro, a Paediatric Chiropractor, this furniture was introduced throughout the school so children of all heights would be comfortable throughout the school day.
Back pain is the cause of nearly 60% of adult absenteeism from the workplace, with 8 out of 10 adults suffering from constant pain. A number of studies have found that over 50% of children have back related problems.
One of the main causes of these back problems has been identified as children sitting for long periods on poorly designed school furniture resulting in bad posture.
The solution, we believe at Ingatestone Junior School, lies in promoting the use of height adjustable furniture. This furniture promotes open body posture and an upright spine. The pupil’s necks and backs will maintain their neutral anatomical curves. The children’s rib cage and chest will have a greater volume for oxygenation and hence brain concentration. They will physically tire less.
At present there is no legislation in schools in England concerning the health of the children while sitting in the classroom. Whilst there is legislation in the U.K. protecting adults in the work place, there is absolutely nothing for children. Safety legislation risk assessments concerning work station furniture have to be carried out for adults in this school. It is, thus, difficult to understand why children should not be afforded similar protection given that they will be in school for a minimum of eleven years at, physically, their most formative time.
The children at Ingatestone Junior School do 10 back exercises daily to ensure good posture.