Cooler classrooms create safer environments and improve learning

Safer working environments and improved learning outcomes for students will be among the benefits of air-conditioned classrooms being rolled out in 300 more state schools across Queensland.

Teacher aide and school cleaner members of United Workers Union welcomed the $50 million commitment announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today.

“Keeping students focused as they swelter in classrooms over the hotter months has always been a challenge,” Inala teacher aide Kim Maudsley said.

“Hot classrooms are also a major health and safety issue for many students and school staff,” she said.

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to ensuring safer working and learning environments in our state schools and the improved learning outcomes that will result from cooler classrooms.”

United Workers Union Public Sector Director Sharron Caddie said school cleaners would also benefit from air-conditioned classrooms as they would provide an environment that would allow cleaners to work safely and comfortably.

“Because cleaning is a physical job, it can get very hot in the summer months, potentially leading to health risks,” she said.

“The government’s announcement comes as welcome relief, and will make working in our local state schools much safer and more comfortable.”