A report from Parliament's Education and Skills Select Committee said itwas vital for users to participate in their school redevelopmentprojects, even if this took more time.
Maintaining this dialogue is "the best way for local authorities tocreate an excellent learning environment," the report's authorssaid.
Committee chair Barry Sheerman said: "Teachers and students need to beclosely involved from the outset and the vital importance of their inputshould not be underestimated."
John Sorrell, founder of design charity The Sorrell Foundation, saidoften only lip service was paid to the process of consultation. Hecalled for a deeper involvement of pupils.
"Often what happens is the school is designed and then the kids arebrought together for an hour, shown the designs of the focus group, andat the end of it boxes are ticked," he said. "It is a big mistake if wedo not involve them properly."
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