'Inclusive' classroom to be tested during project

A primary school classroom has been revamped into an "inclusive learning space" for pupils.

The Year 5 pupils' experience will be compared with a control group, who will be given the same activities in a room without any changes.

Scoill Yn Jubilee in Douglas has been selected for the Adaptive Classroom project, which aims to create a space for children to feel safe and supported at school.

Emily Hicks, head of juniors at Scoill Yn Jubilee, said the project would "give us a unique opportunity to reimagine what a truly inclusive learning environment can be".

The classroom is made up of different zones, including softer seating, group work stations, an area to help children regulate themselves and independent work areas.

It also included upgrades to lighting and ergonomic seating.

In a letter to parents Ms Hicks said: "By creating supported flexible spaces rooted in restorative and relational culture we can better meet the diverse needs of students."

The model combines a trauma-informed approach to classroom design with restorative practices training, she said.

One Year 5 class will attend a classroom redesigned with trauma-informed furniture and features.

Meanwhile, another Year 5 class will be used as a control group, with the same workbook and activities but without the physical changes, to allow researchers to isolate the impact of the physical environment on pupil outcomes.

The pilot project was the idea of UK-based interior design dealer Work Solutions which was a finalist in the Isle of Man's innovation challenge - a government-run scheme inviting firms to explore solutions to global issues.

The firm said the design of the new classroom moves away from the traditional school concept, which tends to focus on behaviour management, and towards an environment that encourages connection and compassion.

Director Paul Murphy said the island's educators and community leaders had "shown a shared belief in what we're trying to achieve - creating spaces where every child feels they belong".

The pilot will also see staff, students, parents and carers trained in restorative and relational practices in a 90-minute session in January.