New classroom has no windows

[WelshMoth]

My new class for the next year is totally windowless. I am dreading it.

It holds about 36 pupils so the heat will be incredible in the summer and while I have fans, all they do is blow hot air around.

But, the lack of sunlight is going to be a major issue. What can I do to minimise any winter depressions?

If all else fails, buy yourself a SAD lamp for your desk too. I worked in a cupboard an office once, with only one window, on which I had to use blackout blinds if I wanted to see my computer screen. My SAD lamp, which gives off light as close to real sunlight as possible, was a life saver and really lifted my mood.

I think you need to speak to your Union. What you have is not a classroom it is an over large cupboard.

Moan away OP. Pupils will! I think that in a room like that behaviour management will be even more difficult. I wouldn't do it. It's very different from an office/call centre etc being without windows - this is teenagers who will feel hemmed in and claustrophobic (I can almost hear them for you OP). Teens spray deodorant, perfume etc and it will hang in the air.
Great suggestions about brightening up the room - but the OP will have to pay for all of these.
So OP moan away! I would rather be away from my department

Am I the only one thinking a classroom with no windows and a solid door is a safeguarding concern? You are putting yourself at risk and need to speak up ASAP.

Speak to your union asap.

Thanks everyone.

Bobbie why do you say it's a safeguarding concern?

If you read the serious case review for abuse by teacher Nigel Leat (Weston Super Mare - google will find it for you), you will find that it clearly states that classrooms should have non-convered internal windows. (recommendation 20)

www.northsomersetlscb.org.uk/uploads/files/282.pdf

I've just scanned the executive summary of the serious case review to check I've got the right one, but I'm pretty certain that a major contributing factor in this case was judged to be that the teacher was in a classroom which was geographically remote in some way and either there was no window in the door, or it had been covered over.

The solid door is a safeguarding concern because they should all have a window in them so a) people can see you're not being inappropriate and b) so you are less likely to be falsely accused.

I would change to the classroom away from my department rather than teach in a large cupboard.

Not a teacher but my office has no windows. My eyes actually hurt at the end of the day when I go outside into daylight as it seems so bright.

Is it a new classroom or the crap one everyone passes round doing a year in?

Agree re water, SAD lamp.

And yes re safeguarding.

All our PRU classrooms have cctv. Not a failsafe but some back up.