DfE issues guidance for keeping classrooms well ventilated in Autumn

The Department for Education has updated its guidance for school operations during Covid-times, with additional information for keeping schools well ventilated but still maintaining a "comfortable teaching environment".

It says that schools should priorities opening high level windows in preference to low level windows, to increase the ventilation while spaces are unoccupied, such as between classes, during break and lunch, and to rearrange furniture where possible to avoid direct drafts.

The guidance also says schools should "provide flexibility to allow additional, suitable indoor clothing".   

The guidance says mechanical ventilation systems should be adjusted to increase the ventilation rate wherever possible, and checked to confirm that normal operation meets current guidance (if possible, systems should be adjusted to full fresh air or, if not, then systems should be operated as normal as long as they are within a single room and supplemented by an outdoor air supply).

Natural ventilation such as opening windows (in cooler weather windows should be opened just enough to provide constant background ventilation, and opened more fully during breaks to purge the air in the space). Opening internal doors can also assist with creating a throughput of air.

Natural ventilation – if necessary external opening doors may also be used (as long as they are not fire doors and where safe to do so).

Further advice on this can be found in Health and Safety Executive guidance on air conditioning and ventilation during the coronavirus outbreak and CIBSE coronavirus (COVID-19) advice.