ventilation | Schools Week

DfE says rising energy costs will have ‘relatively small impact’ on school budgets

Government has told leaders they can shoulder ‘cost pressures’ from recent funding rises

Open classroom windows between lessons so kids don’t get too cold, says DfE

But experts warn methods are not a ‘magic bullet’

Long read: Schools let down by government’s hot air on ventilation

Has England been left flapping in the wind as other countries race ahead with ventilation policies for schools? Schools Week investigates… The government’s “minimal” and “negligent” approach to ventilation in England’s classrooms is failing to protect pupils, say scientists and campaigners, including a leading epidemiologist. Instead, they say, it should immediately provide air filters. The […]

All state schools to receive carbon dioxide monitors to help ventilation

The government is going to hand out around 300,000 carbon dioxide monitors to state schools in a £25 million scheme to help improve ventilation from September. All schools and colleges are expected to receive “at least partial allocations” during the autumn term. Where inadequate ventilation is identified, this needs to be addressed without delay, and […]

Take ‘urgent action’ on school ventilation, unions tell government

The government must take “urgent action” to invest in ventilation measures in schools ahead of the autumn term, unions have said. Last week, it was revealed that the Department for Health and Social Care is funding a £1.75 million pilot project on the use of air purifiers in schools. However, the research only involves 30 […]

Just 41 schools due to receive CO2 monitors this week

Just 41 schools in London are due to receive CO2 monitors this week, with just 517 devices due to be sent out, according to a schedule sent to schools. The government announced last month that it would provide around 300,000 carbon dioxide monitors to state schools to help them tackle poor ventilation. Education secretary Gavin […]

Consider allowing pupils to wear additional clothing indoors, DfE tells schools

Schools should consider allowing pupils to wear “additional, suitable indoor items of clothing” during the winter as classrooms get colder because of the need for ventilation, the Department for Education has said. In updated action for schools guidance published today, the DfE said increased ventilation “may make school buildings cooler than usual over the winter […]

Staff and pupils recommended to layer up as schools work to keep classrooms ventilated

Staff and pupils are being told to layer up as schools struggle to keep classrooms both ventilated for covid safety and warm during dropping temperatures. Unions are urgently seeking updated information on how schools should manage the winter period with windows and doors open, with heads predicting heating costs could double. The Health and Safety […]