Classroom ventilation

Over half of teachers (56%) in a new NASUWT teaching union survey said they do not have access to a CO2 monitor in their classroom — despite a government pledge that all schools and colleges would be provided with the monitors from the start of the academic year in September 2021.

Nearly 2,000 teachers responded to the survey and over a third (34%) said monitors showed CO2 levels often, or sometimes, exceed 1500ppm (parts per million) in their classrooms. But six in 10 of those reporting concerning CO2 levels said their school or college had failed to put in place any actions to improve ventilation.

New Department for Education Covid operational guidance refers to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on ventilation during the pandemic.

This says a consistent CO2 value below 800ppm is likely to indicate an indoor space is well ventilated.

CO2 levels consistently higher than 1500ppm in an occupied room indicate poor ventilation and employers should take action.

It also recommends CO2 levels below 800ppm for areas with continuous talking, singing and high levels of physical activity such as sport or dancing.

NASUWT general secretary Patrick Roach said efforts to ensure good ventilation in the fight against Covid “should not be a lottery”.