Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to (a) improve ventilation in schools and (b) implement other mitigation measures to reduce aerosol transmission of covid-19.

The Department’s guidance states that it is important that schools, when open, ensure that they are well ventilated and that a comfortable teaching environment is maintained. This can be achieved by a variety of measures including using mechanical ventilation systems and/or natural ventilation, such as opening windows. In all cases, measures should be taken to encourage fresh air into the building, whilst striking a balance with thermal comfort. The guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak.

The Department continues to review the ventilation requirements in the system of controls including considering whether monitoring carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels would be appropriate, and we are working with the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies and NHS Test and Trace on a pilot project to measure CO₂ levels in typical classrooms.

Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, all schools have implemented a range of protective measures that make up the Public Health England endorsed ‘system of controls’ that are recommended in the Department’s guidance. These mitigation measures create a safer environment for staff, pupils and children where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is substantially reduced. These measures include social distancing and use of bubbles, use of face coverings for staff in areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain (for example, in communal areas) and enhanced cleaning routines.

The Department continues to keep the system of controls under review based on the latest scientific evidence and advice as this continues to evolve.