Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what his Department’s policy is on creating new (a) schools and (b) nurseries in (i) air quality management areas and (ii) within 150 metres of roads that have levels of nitrogen dioxide which are illegal under the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010.

Outdoor air quality is the responsibility of each local authority who should ensure measures are in place to reduce emissions to meet national targets. The relevant local planning authority will determine the suitability of the proposed location for a new school. In addition, school building proposals may contain a range of measures to ensure that air quality is of a suitable or appropriate standard.

Departmental guidance on indoor air quality in schools is included in the Building Bulletin 101. This promotes best practice and sets standards for levels of pollutants in classrooms. All new schools should comply with these standards.