Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of evidence from the Schools’ Air Quality Monitoring for Health and Education project which reports that ventilation rates in the average classroom are significantly below the ventilation rates recommended for modern office environments by the British Council for Offices.

The department recognises that good ventilation and air quality are essential for maintaining a healthy learning environment and we regularly review the scientific evidence on ventilation and air quality in schools. The department supported the School Air Quality Monitoring for Health and Education project and has seen the value in the data that has been published.

Guidance published by the department on ventilation and indoor air quality in education and childcare settings is available on GOV.UK. In addition, the department has recently launched a new construction framework and updated design standards, setting out requirements for all new and refurbished school buildings delivered by the department. These standards cover air quality and ventilation, reflecting industry standards and best practice.