Sportscotland’s guidance strongly criticises the use of joint space for dining and PE. “The time taken to set up and then remove tables and chairs encroaches significantly on the time available for PE, and regular moving of equipment or furniture is likely to quickly damage or degrade the floor.
Also the serving hatches and other design features required for a school dining area are not appropriate for a sports facility, particularly not one available for wider community use. A dining area will also need to be at a higher temperature than a PE teaching space.
“Finally schools should aim to create a welcoming and pleasant dining environment, to encourage healthy eating habits in pupils. A sports hall with dining tables is unlikely to provide such an environment.
“Only in very small rural schools with limited requirements for PE may the same space be suitable for dining.”
