It’s often misunderstood that modular classrooms compromise quality, with these buildings seen as an afterthought
However, this is far from the case. Modular building providers are now working closely with the Department for Education on many modular classroom projects, ensuring the work meets or exceeds the latest building regulations.
“With thorough inspections and testing procedures planned out at every stage of a modular classroom’s development, modular buildings actually now often surpass the quality, durability and safety aspects of a traditional education facility,” stated Nick Griffin, divisional MD at Portakabin.
So, how do modular classrooms actually enhance learning?
Reducing the number of overcrowded classrooms
Educational facilities across England are facing major problems with overcrowded classrooms.
According to the latest official school capacity data produced by the DfE, 24% of state-funded secondary schools and 16% of state-funded primary schools across the country were at or over capacity as of the 2023/24 academic year.
An investigation by Schools Week using government statistics has also suggested that an estimated two-thirds of the nation’s special schools are currently either full or over capacity.
Modular buildings can solve this problem by being constructed quickly and meeting urgent needs, ensuring schools have all the buildings they need in a short time frame.
Modular classrooms enhance the educational environment
Modular classrooms are built with the latest state-of-the-art technology, meaning that the learning environment can be enhanced.
They are known to be well-ventilated spaces that have been found to positively impact cognitive function and test scores, according to research by the National Education Union.
Another beneficial design feature of modular classrooms is that they can bring in plenty of natural light, which helps improve performance and accelerate productivity.
Offsite construction could be key to disruption-free building
While not a particular benefit of studying in a modular classroom, it should also be noted that these structures are built away from educational facilities. Off-site construction means that disruption on the school site is minimal, with installs taking days or weeks.
From being designed to meet the latest permanent building regulations – sometimes even exceeding them – to being well-ventilated spaces that reduce overcrowding in schools, modern modular classrooms could be the way forward for DfE education projects.
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