Tip’s To Boost Children’s Mental Health Through School Design

Children spend a significant proportion of their lives within the school environment, making the design of these spaces an important consideration when it comes to their wellbeing. With around one in five children experiencing mental health difficulties, schools have an opportunity to create environments that better support their emotional and social needs. In this blog, we explore eight design tips that can help boost children’s mental health, improve their daily learning experiences, foster friendships, and ultimately create a more positive approach to student wellbeing.

Design Tip 1: Collaborative Design

Giving students a voice in the design of their school environment can help foster a greater sense of ownership, responsibility, and connection to the space around them. Rather than decisions being made solely by administrators, asking students how they would like their learning environment to look and function allows them to feel involved and valued. Collaborative spaces can also encourage students to work alongside others completing similar tasks, helping to build relationships and reducing feelings of isolation within school.

Design Tip 2: Quiet Hubs

Quiet hubs provide students with a dedicated space where they can retreat from the busyness and noise of the school environment. These calm and supportive areas give students somewhere to relax, gather their thoughts, or simply take a break when they feel overwhelmed. They can be particularly valuable in secondary schools, where some children may find the transition from primary school challenging and benefit from having a safe space where they can talk about their concerns. Quiet hubs can also support students with additional needs, including those with autism or ADHD, by providing a peaceful environment away from busy classrooms and corridors.

Design Tip 3: Natural Settings

Bringing elements of nature into schools can have a positive impact on student wellbeing. Natural views through windows and indoor vegetation can help create a more calming environment, while spending time in nature has been associated with reduced stress and fatigue, alongside more attentive behaviour. Schools can introduce these benefits through garden rooms, outdoor learning spaces, planted areas, or simply by increasing the amount of greenery throughout the building. Outdoor learning spaces also give teachers the opportunity to diversify their teaching methods, providing students with a change of environment and a different way to engage with their lessons.

Design Tip 4: Flexible Furniture

Extracurricular activities play an important role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people, making it important for schools to provide spaces that can accommodate a variety of activities. Adaptable furniture is becoming increasingly common within modern schools, with options such as booths with castor wheels, pouffes, and reconfigurable modular seating allowing spaces to be easily changed. This flexibility creates more versatile environments that can seamlessly transform depending on the activity, whether students are working independently, collaborating with others, or taking part in extracurricular activities.

Design Tip 5: Digital Skills Hubs

Giving students opportunities to develop new skills can help build confidence and self-esteem, both of which contribute to positive wellbeing. A dedicated digital skills hub can provide an engaging environment where students have access to modern technology and software while developing essential digital literacy skills. These spaces could include tablet stations, ICT suites, modern monitors, laptop areas, and booths designed for skills sharing and collaboration. By creating an engaging and stimulating learning environment, schools can help reduce feelings of monotony, improve motivation, and support students in developing skills that can contribute to their academic success and future opportunities.

Design Tip 6: Spaces for Exercise

Keeping physically active is an important part of supporting children’s overall wellbeing, and schools can encourage this by providing spaces that make exercise accessible and enjoyable. Traditional sports such as football, rugby, and hockey remain popular, while many schools are also incorporating gym equipment and dedicated fitness areas into their facilities. Providing a wider range of opportunities allows schools to cater to different student interests while encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle. Investing in these spaces can therefore benefit students both physically and socially, while supporting their wider approach to wellbeing.

Design Tip 7: Good Acoustics

The acoustic environment within a school can have a significant impact on students’ ability to concentrate, learn, and feel comfortable. Poor classroom acoustics can make it difficult for students to hear teachers and follow lessons, potentially affecting both their learning experience and happiness. Acoustic wall features are a popular solution within schools, helping to absorb unwanted noise while also adding an element of personality to the classroom. Available in a variety of colours, patterns, and designs, acoustic features can even be matched to school branding, creating a practical solution that adds a fun and visually engaging element to the learning environment.

Design Tip 8: Sensory Rooms

Sensory rooms provide an alternative environment designed to support children’s individual health and wellbeing needs. These spaces can be created to accommodate a range of sensory requirements, incorporating elements such as soft textures, soothing sounds, calming lighting, and relaxing colour palettes. Sensory rooms can be particularly beneficial for students with autism, ADHD, and other additional needs, giving them somewhere to regulate their emotions and step away from an overwhelming environment. When thoughtfully designed, these spaces can help reduce stress while supporting focus, attention, communication, and social development.

Creating nurturing and supportive learning environments is essential for helping children feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. Thoughtful consideration of school design can have a significant impact on the emotional and social wellbeing of students, from providing quiet spaces and flexible furniture to introducing nature, sensory environments, and opportunities for collaboration.
By investing in the wellbeing of students today, schools are also investing in their future success; both inside and outside the classroom. A well-designed school environment can provide the foundations for happier, healthier, and more positive learning experiences.

If you would like to find out more about our acoustic screen solutions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team on 01772 696222 or email enquiries@glendaleuk.com.