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A UNISON survey has revealed that, amid fears over rising energy costs, there has been a significant drop off in good ventilation practices in schools.

The survey was conducted among UNISON members working as school support staff across the UK, of whom 1,644 responded.

The results showed that:

  • on CO2 monitoring, only 26% said that their schools was still actively monitoring levels in all classrooms. Nearly 50% (49.7%) of respondents said their schools were no longer actively monitoring CO2 levels in all classrooms;
  • on ventilation, only 16% of respondents said the school was ensuring good ventilation in all areas, while 38% replied that the school had stopped taking action to ensure good ventilation, and 46% said that their school was ventilating rooms much less than last year;
  • on the main reason their school was no longer actively monitoring CO2 levels or ensuring good ventilation (multiple choice options), 44.6% of respondents stated it was because their school “no longer thought COVID was an issue” and 42% that their “school is worried about energy costs and heating bills (ie more heating is needed when windows are opened)”.

UNISON is concerned that this drop off in ventilation is increasing the risk of illness and absences in schools, with particular concern for immunosuppressed pupils and staff.

The DfE has now announced that it is sending more CO2 monitors to schools – enough for one per classroom – alongside a reminder of the importance of ventilation. It is also reopening the bidding process for schools to apply for air filters, but UNISON is concerned that the criteria being used by the DfE on CO2 levels in schools is being set at such a level that the overwhelming majority of schools will still not be provided with air filters.

UNISON is restating its call for the government to provide suitable/appropriate air filters to all schools as soon as possible this winter, and for an urgent announcement from government on the extension of the energy support scheme, which is currently only confirmed until the end of March next year. Removing fears over energy costs will be crucial to supporting ventilation.