Concern over winter temperatures in classrooms with open window policy
AS winter takes hold across the region, a new concern is emerging for parents with children at the area’s schools.
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic means that ventilation in the classroom is a priority and one result of this is that many schools continue to have an open window policy. Even with the plunging temperatures outside - which this week are likely to dip to the lower single digits - schools must continue to follow guidance from the Department for Education which states that natural ventilation from windows must be used ‘as far as possible’.
One concerned mum told the Grimsby Telegraph: “I do understand the logic behind this but our children are not allowed to wear jumpers or coats as they are not uniform. “We have since been told we can buy thermals but this won’t keep their legs and hands warm.
“We were told in October of this situation but it is now end of November and my son has come home cold today, my friend’s daughter was sent out of class for putting a coat on.” The schools which replied to our enquiries about the open window policy were Healing School in Grimsby and those under the David Ross Educational Trust which includes Havelock Academy, Humberston Academy, Edward Heanage Primary School and Fairfield Academy.
All confirmed they were following guidance from the DfE which states: “Good ventilation is essential at all times in classrooms and particularly during this period.
“Natural ventilation via windows or vents should be used as far as possible and where available occupied room windows should be open.”
Healing School Principal Mrs Dewland said: “We are following Government guidelines on ventilation and I would like to thank the overwhelming majority of parents for their support and understanding.
“We are recording classroom temperatures daily and ensure nobody is cold. Our new boiler responds to a drop in outside temperatures by generating more heat.
“We were reassured by a recent Health and Safety Executive spot check which found no issues and, indeed, praised our response to the pandemic.”
In all of the schools that replied, the advice to parents is that extra layers can be worn under uniform if a child is experiencing coldness while in school.
A spokesperson for David Ross Education Trust said: “Clearly we want to keep our school communities as safe as possible from the infection of Covid-19. “Government guidance makes clear that classrooms should be ventilated with fresh air. “This means that the school may be colder as we approach winter, as our classrooms will continue to have windows open to allow for fresh air and appropriate ventilation.
“We will of course have our central heating on, but we want our students to feel comfortable.
“We have been in touch with parents to explain the Government guidance and to suggest that they encourage their children to wear an extra white layer under their school shirt as classrooms may be colder than normal.” However this might not be enough to assure all parents that their children really are being kept warm enough during school hours. The concerned mum told GrimsbyLive: “My point is does wearing a coat or jumper really matter with everything else that is going on? “Why is my son coming home freezing? It’s not even December yet.
“It’s been over a month now, the weather is getting worse and nothing is changing, children are complaining they are cold, coming home with sniffles which then leads to worry about the virus.”