News

Learning Rooms STEM Club – Summer challenges

August 5, 2021

Are you looking for engaging ideas to inspire young minds over the summer holidays? Dr. Katherine Forsey, Gratnells’ Learning Rooms & STEM Consultant, has hand-selected 22 of her favourite STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) challenges to help you through the summer break. From catapults to kitchen chemistry, balloon powered LEGO cars to stomp rockets,…

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Learning Rooms STEM Club – Prepare for launch!

June 15, 2021

Since 2014, the STEM Ambassador team at Gratnells Learning Rooms have been working with teachers, technicians, schools and community groups to create, develop and share practical activities covering a wide range of curriculum subjects. Under the ‘What’s in my tray?’ umbrella, a large and growing collection of activities now exists to enhance the delivery of…

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Rethinking learning spaces – how one school in Cambridge is creating Covid aware classrooms

August 14, 2020

With social distancing and heightened hygiene measures in place, what does a Covid aware classroom look like? Trumpington Park Primary School in Cambridge are rethinking their learning spaces and are setting up for September. Following current government guidance with regards to full classes returning to schools, they are making changes to the ways in which…

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Students ‘Inspired to learn’ as The Prince of Wales School expands capacity

July 13, 2020

As schools begin to welcome students back into the classroom, there are many challenges to face and obstacles to overcome. With increasing expectation on school leaders and teachers to create safe and accessible environments for children, there is regular conversation about how best to alter current classrooms and learning spaces to accommodate the government guidelines…

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Wrapped in a bubble – How has learning been impacted by Covid-19?

June 18, 2020

Learning Rooms Leader and former teacher, Bhavini Pandya joins a primary school bubble to see how learning has been impacted by Covid-19.

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Designing spaces for future focused schools

June 16, 2020

For a unique school design challenge, the Association for Learning Environments (UK) – A4le (UK) got together with the University of Westminster’s School of Architecture and Cities (SA + C). The one-day even – Designing spaces for future focused schools – brought together architects, designers, educationalists, teachers, researchers and students to design new “learning zones”…

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Recipe for return

June 2, 2020

Understanding how to control the spread of infection within schools is crucial in planning the process of allowing students to return stage by stage. We have been working with some schools to create a basic recipe for return, acknowledging the need for social distancing, and the individual learning requirements of the students. Our ‘Recipe for…

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Preparing a primary school classroom for re-opening

May 29, 2020

With many schools in England planning to re-open at the beginning of June, the preparation workload for school leaders and teachers has increased drastically. Some schools are cautious about opening because they deem it unsafe for both the staff and children, however lots of schools want to get back to some form of normality for…

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Top tips for structured learning in the home environment

April 1, 2020

In the current situation, the ways in which children are learning has changed. With more children working at home with the support of parents or carers, here are a few of our top tips for creating a structured, successful and positive learning experience for students in the home environment… Have a routine that works for…

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Coronavirus (Covid-19) Statement

March 17, 2020

With the current uncertainty surrounding the outbreak of Coronavirus we wanted to assure our customers and business partners we have a plan to manage business continuity in these difficult times. We have taken precautions internally to protect staff and others we come into contact with.  This includes reducing group meetings and non-essential travel, installing hand…

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NSTA Boston

February 19, 2020

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus Covid-19, NSTA Boston has been cancelled. We hope that the event will be rescheduled and we can bring the activities to the show again. ——————————————————————————————————————— The Gratnells team are busy preparing for the NSTA show in Boston. We are touring our popular What’s in my tray? activities…

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The Learnometer

January 13, 2020

Have you heard about the Gratnells Learnometer? Extensive research has gone into the design and implementation of the Learnometer and the impact it can have on the learning environment and children’s overall progress. The Gratnells Learnometer monitors the conditions in your classroom so you can create a conducive learning environment. It will measure a range…

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Can learning be both fun and memorable at the same time?

January 8, 2020

As teachers, we know how important it is for children to remember the different learning experiences we give them. All children, regardless of age, should be given these memorable opportunities. We know that school budget constraints do not help us to fulfil this, but recently Gratnells trialled a new set of activities that will allow…

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What’s in my tray? activities at home with ArthurWears

December 6, 2019

Early years teacher and mummy blogger Sarah began posting as ArthurWears in 2015. The blog covers all things Early Years from learning through play to home décor to school advice. Recently, Gratnells Learning Rooms partnered with ArthurWears to share a new range of What’s in my tray? activities for EYFS. Using a selection of iconic…

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Why should teachers create a positive learning environment?

November 26, 2019

Gratnells Managing Director and Chairman, Murray Hudson, argues that the learning environment can have a significant effect on a child’s progress and development in a recent piece for teacherofsci.com. Taking inspiration from the work of progressive influencers in the industry such as Sir Ken Robinson and Professor Peter Barrett, the Gratnells Learning Rooms project was…

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Introducing Gratnells new STEM Ambassador team

October 23, 2019

Gratnells, world leader in innovative storage solutions and maker of the iconic Gratnells Tray, has further expanded its commitment to education and the development of future STEM professionals by supporting three members of their team to become STEM Ambassadors. The team will lead Gratnells work to inspire, encourage and support young people in STEM subjects…

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Gratnells puts Arduino Science Kit in focus

September 25, 2019

Gratnells, the global leader in storage solutions, has continued its commitment to inspiring STEAM students across the world by producing a suite of instructional experiment videos for digital device experts, Arduino. Gratnells, the creator of the iconic Gratnells tray, has been providing solutions directly to more than 68 countries from the UK for over 40…

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Discover your outdoor learning room

May 20, 2019

May marks International School Grounds month and with Outdoor Classroom Day celebrated globally on the 23rd May, there has never been a better excuse to take learning outdoors. Be it an hour, a day, a week or the entire month spent learning, creating and discovering outdoors the wide-ranging benefits of time spent outside are well…

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Michael Horn at EDspaces 2018

April 18, 2019

In October 2018, Gratnells brought Michael Horn to EDspaces in Tampa, Florida. His talk, covering blended learning, disruptive innovation and A New Architecture for 21st Century Learners, was well received by attendees.

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Gratnells MakerSpace trolley wins the Worlddidac Award 2018

July 13, 2018

Our latest addition to the Callero family of storage solutions has won a prestigious education award.   The MakerSpace trolley, launched at the BETT fair in early 2018 under the banner “Creating spaces for creative minds”, is designed to respond to the growing trend for collaborative learning, especially in STEM and STEAM subject areas. Developed…

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Are bean bags the shape of things to come in Primary School education?

March 1, 2018

In a recently published report by educational supplier Eden Learning Spaces, a perhaps surprising form of soft-seating – ‘bean bags’ – has been proven to greatly enhance the learning environment in primary schools – and within SEN too. But could bean bags really be an important addition to improve learning and understanding for primary school…

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Innovative learning group report endorsed by Gratnells

November 27, 2017

A recently completed 3-year project entitled “Innovative Learning Environments and Teacher Change” lead by a team from the University of Melbourne and funded by the Australian Research Council, has produced a series of conclusions which echo much of the philosophy behind Gratnells Learning Rooms. In particular, the mounting evidence about the practical value of enlightened,…

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Sir Ken Robinson keynote speaker at EDspaces, Kansas

November 24, 2017

He touched on many sensitive and emotional issues, clearly highlighting how ‘disadvantaged’ individuals have flourished when allowed the freedom to express themselves, and pursue their personal interests. Summing up, Sir Ken explained the importance the whole learning environment plays in establishing a learning space where all individuals feel engaged and inspired to investigate and discover, embracing…

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Essentials Magazine – The Power of Flexibility by Murray Hudson

November 2, 2017

There is evidence, anecdotal and empirical, that the learning environment can have a significant effect on children’s progress and development. Murray Hudson, Managing Director of Gratnells, looks at some of the innovative ways that environment is changing for the better.   Essentials Magazine Essentials Fall 2017

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Essentials Magazine – Member spotlight on Murray Hudson

November 2, 2017

Gratnells Managing Director and Chairman Murray Hudson spoke to Essentials Magazine for their Member Spotlight in their fall edition. essentials-magazine-essentials-fall-2017

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The benefits of being on stage

October 13, 2017

According to research, performing on stage develops a sense of personal and group identity, as well as giving youths a sense of empowerment and the opportunity to express their emotions. Check out our infographic and see how a Gratnells Stage would benefit the children in your school!  

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Science Technician of the Year Awards 2017/18

September 14, 2017

Entries are open for this year’s Science Technician of the Year Awards, to be announced next year at the ASE Conference in York. All completed and returned entries will receive an exclusive pack of 4 Gratnells Mini Trays. Closing date for entries is Friday 26th January 2018. Click here for an entry form and information

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Gratnells secures Sir Ken Robinson as keynote speaker for major US education event

September 14, 2017

British manufacturer, marketing organisation and education environment influencer Gratnells has brokered an appearance by Sir Ken Robinson, acknowledged as one of the world’s leading educationalists, for the EDspaces event in Kansas City, USA in October. A native of Liverpool, Sir Ken Robinson has established a unique position as an author, speaker and international advisor on…

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The NEW Gratnells Rover gets put to the test

August 1, 2017

The latest addition to the Gratnells ever growing product portfolio is the Rover trolley. Tough yet practical, the Rover has been designed to carry heavy loads across challenging terrain, from classroom to school hall, playground to sports field. Compatible with all Gratnells tray sizes in a variety of combinations, the Rover trolley is the perfect…

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Gratnells supports the big schools’ birdwatch

May 18, 2017

Gratnells, manufacturers and marketers of Britain’s best known and most widely used range of storage systems for over 40 years, has supported the RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch initiative, encouraging children to become part of the world’s biggest wildlife survey. The company appealed to schools across the UK to enter a competition to win a Gratnells…

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Dubai CPD workshop attracts 100 delegates

May 18, 2017

A CPD workshop entitled ‘Enabling Environments’, directed at the Early Years and Pre-School sector and held in Dubai recently, attracted almost 100 delegates to the Rotana Hotel venue. Organised by UK-based sector provider of storage, systems and staging Gratnells, the event was a collaborative project with local training company Quest, Early Years Educational Services (EYES)…

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‘Complete Professional’ Wins Gratnells 2015 Science Technician of the Year Award

May 18, 2017

Kay Bell, a Science Technician at Oxford High School for Girls, has won the prestigious Gratnells Science Technician of the Year award in recognition of 31 years outstanding work for the school’s science department, with Jackie Graham, senior science technician for the renowned Repton School in Dubai, taking the International award.

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Repton School in Dubai recognises the value of its International Science Technology Award winner

May 18, 2017

Jackie Graham, senior science technician for the renowned Repton School in Dubai, is the winner of the Gratnells’ International Schools Science Technician of the Year Award for 2015.. “Although I have been a science technician for three decades, this is a job in which you never stop learning and the network is a great facilitator…

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Science Technicians speak up for the profession

May 18, 2017

Over the eight years that the Gratnells sponsored Science Technician of the Year (STOTY) Awards have run, outstanding practitioners from around the world have been recognised for their contribution to their schools, teachers and students. Dr. Katherine Forsey, the UK’s leading outdoor education and outreach consultant, is also an expert panel member of Gratnells Learning…

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Education show a hit for Gratnells

May 18, 2017

Gratnells, best known for 40 years of designing, manufacturing and marketing advanced storage systems for the education and medical sectors, has enjoyed a successful return to the Education Show at NEC Birmingham. With two stands at this year’s show showcasing the company’s latest product range, the newly launched PowerTray attracted a great deal of attention,…

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Gratnells takes to the stage

May 18, 2017

Gratnells, manufacturers and marketers of Britain’s best known and most widely used range of storage systems and trays in schools, is adding a highly engineered modular staging system to its offer for the education sector.  Created by renowned industrial designer Anthony Hill, Gratnells Stage is easy to assemble, robust and affordable for schools. Managing Director…

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Gratnells takes charge in the digital age

May 18, 2017

Gratnells, leaders in classroom storage for over 40 years, has introduced an innovative new product range designed to store, charge and sync up to 30 USB devices at ultra fast speed. The company has launched two new ICT products, PowerTray and PowerTrolley, keeping  portable devices organised, secure and always charged ready for use. The PowerTrays…

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Two new products from Gratnells take storage into the digital age

May 18, 2017

Gratnells, the family run business with over 100 years of history and a worldwide business extending to more than 60 export destinations, has added to its record on product innovation with two new ICT introductions, PowerTray and PowerTrolley.  

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‘Step-up’ mini stage systems designed to make every classroom into an auditorium

May 18, 2017

As part of its ‘Learning Rooms’ approach which addresses many aspects of the learning and teaching environment, Gratnells, manufacturers and marketers of ‘Stage’ modular systems, is offering schools a variety of mini staging formats which can be easily used and stored in the classroom. Learning Rooms is a concept supported by leading education experts which,…

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Gratnells new generation trolley offers more storage space

May 18, 2017

Gratnells, the family run business with over 100 years of history and a worldwide business extending to more than 60 export destinations, has launched a new addition to its popular Callero Trolley range. Ergonomically designed for science laboratories, the new Callero Plus trolley provides 25% more storage space than the standard model and the larger…

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Gratnells lends support to UK school science technician survey

May 18, 2017

Gratnells, one of the the UK’s leading suppliers of storage and stage systems to the schools sector, has sponsored the publication of a far-reaching report which highlights the role and importance of school science technicians. The report was commissioned by Preproom.org, which has been active in this area for almost a decade supporting school science…

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Gratnells launches its all-terrain trolley at the world’s leading education technology show

May 18, 2017

Gratnells, manufacturers and marketers of Britain’s best known and most widely used range of storage systems and trays in schools, has designed an all-terrain trolley to meet the needs of schools in a multitude of tasks. The aptly named Rover trolley will be launched at BETT in 2017.  The 260mm pneumatic tyres allow easy movement…

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Rock pools poster

May 18, 2017

As part of its far-reaching mission to help create better learning and teaching environments for all ages, Gratnells has launched a new ‘Rock Pools’ poster, the latest offering from the company’s Learning Rooms portfolio. The Rock Pools poster has been inspired by the work of acclaimed educationalist Dr Katherine Forsey, who works with individual schools,…

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Gratnells gets on board the Ideas Bus

May 18, 2017

Gratnells, the UK manufacturer which supplies its storage and asset organisation products into 20,000 of the country’s schools, has chosen a new medium to help launch its range of PowerTrays and PowerTrolleys. An American-style yellow School Bus will be travelling across and around the M25 area of Greater London throughout 2017 offering school business managers…

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Come on in – the water’s lovely

May 11, 2017

One of the largest manufacturers of scientific apparatus for education in the UK has chosen Gratnells to provide trays for one of its popular products. Irwin Science Education based in Braintree, Essex, carried out a case study to see how they could develop a water bath specifically for schools at lower costs than the traditional,…

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The importance of performing arts

May 4, 2017

Late in 2014 the website of Stagecoach, the respected network of performing arts schools, carried the findings of a research study covering the views of 1500 parents of children involved in performing arts activities. The results were a clarion call to all those who feel that the growing emphasis on technology in education might be…

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The digital revolution in the classroom

May 4, 2017

The digital revolution creates both challenges and opportunities for providers to the education sector One of the key challenges in education is how to incorporate modern technology into the classroom, without loss to the aesthetics or the fundamentals of good order. ‘Everything in its place’ may be a time-honoured phrase but the proliferation of information,…

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Flexibility, mobility, adaptability

May 4, 2017

Richard Picking, Marketing Director of Gratnells, offers some thoughts about the future for school furniture The healthy learning environment is a composite of elements, apart from the obvious bricks and mortar requirements teachers need bright, light and secure classrooms where colour abounds and learning resources are plentiful. More than ever the creation of a child-centred…

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Gratnells – the science of storage

May 4, 2017

Based in Harlow, Essex and working from a manufacturing complex that is one of the most advanced and modern in Europe, Gratnells has been a provider to the education sector for more than 40 years. During the last decade, the business has evolved from being an agile and efficient manufacturer of storage systems to a…

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A significant effect on children’s progress and development

May 3, 2017

There is now evidence, both anecdotal and empirical, that the learning environment can have a significant effect on children’s progress and development.  Now it’s time to move from discussion to implementation, argues Murray Hudson, Managing Director and Chairman of Gratnells; from 2012 – 2016 Chairman of the British Educational Furniture Manufacturers’ Group and the inspiration…

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My career as a science technician

April 28, 2017

Q1. Challenges In my career, as a technician I have been fortunate that only one teacher (Head of Department) has tried to make my life difficult and undermine the role of the science technician. In this instance, it was not just the technician that was targeted, six other members of the department were made to…

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