New DfE Guidance: Ventilation and Air Quality in Education and Childcare Settings

Ventilation and Air Quality in Educational Institutions has once again been brought into focus following refreshed guidance from the Department for Education.

As schools, academies, nurseries and further education providers continue to prioritise health, attendance and performance, indoor air quality remains a critical workplace issue. Although ventilation was heavily discussed during the pandemic, the updated guidance reinforces that clean, well-managed air is a long-term health, safety and wellbeing priority — not a temporary measure.

For leadership teams, estates managers and governors, the message is clear: effective ventilation management is part of your wider statutory duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

In this article, we explain what the updated guidance covers, what it means in practice, and how occupational health and hygiene expertise can support compliance.

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What Is the Refreshed DfE Guidance?

The updated publication from the Department for Education provides practical advice on:

• Assessing ventilation provision

• Improving airflow in naturally ventilated spaces

• Maintaining mechanical ventilation systems

• Using CO₂ monitors appropriately

• Managing indoor air quality risks long-term

Importantly, the guidance aligns with broader expectations set by the Health and Safety Executive regarding workplace ventilation and indoor air quality.

You can review the full government publication here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ventilation-and-air-quality-in-education-and-childcare-settings

Why Ventilation and Air Quality in Educational Institutions Matters

Good ventilation reduces the concentration of airborne contaminants, including viruses, allergens, carbon dioxide and environmental pollutants. As a result, it supports both infection control and general wellbeing.

However, the benefits extend further.

1. Health Protection

Poor indoor air quality can contribute to:

• Headaches and fatigue

• Reduced concentration

• Respiratory irritation

• Asthma exacerbation

In education settings, this can directly impact learning outcomes, staff absence and overall performance.

2. Legal Compliance

Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers must ensure that enclosed workplaces are ventilated by a sufficient quantity of fresh or purified air.

In addition, where substances hazardous to health may be present (for example cleaning chemicals or science laboratory exposure), duties under Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) apply.

Therefore, ventilation management is not optional — it forms part of statutory compliance.

3. Staff Wellbeing and Retention

Education employers are increasingly focused on creating healthier working environments. Consequently, proactive air quality management supports:

• Reduced sickness absence

• Improved morale

• Stronger employer reputation

• Greater confidence among parents and stakeholders

What the Guidance Means in Practice

The refreshed guidance encourages a structured, evidence-based approach.

Assess Your Current Ventilation

Firstly, schools and childcare providers should identify how each space is ventilated. This may include:

• Natural ventilation (windows and vents)

• Mechanical systems (HVAC units)

• Hybrid systems

CO₂ monitoring can help identify poorly ventilated areas. However, monitors are a diagnostic tool — not a standalone solution.

Maintain and Service Systems

Where mechanical ventilation exists, regular inspection and maintenance is essential. Filters must be checked and replaced as required. Otherwise, performance may decline without obvious warning.

Use Simple Improvements Where Needed

In naturally ventilated classrooms, practical adjustments may include:

• Opening windows intermittently to create cross-flow

• Avoiding blocked vents

• Reconfiguring room layouts

Although these steps are straightforward, they must be balanced against thermal comfort and energy efficiency considerations.

The Occupational Health Perspective

From an occupational health standpoint, Ventilation and Air Quality in Educational Institutions sits at the intersection of hygiene, wellbeing and risk management.

Importantly, poor indoor air quality is often an invisible risk. Staff may report headaches, fatigue or “stuffy” classrooms without immediately identifying ventilation as the root cause. Therefore, structured assessment is essential.

At Latus Group, our occupational hygiene specialists conduct:

• Indoor air quality monitoring

• Airborne contaminant testing

• Workplace exposure assessments

• Compliance-aligned reporting

Read more on our website: Workplace Air Monitoring | Occupational Health from Latus Group

Ventilation, Infection Control and Public Health

While pandemic restrictions have eased, infection prevention remains relevant. The UK Health Security Agency continues to highlight the importance of fresh air in reducing transmission of respiratory infections.

Effective ventilation complements:

• Cleaning regimes

• Absence management policies

• Staff health surveillance

For organisations reviewing their wider risk management strategy, our services can help identify patterns linked to environmental exposure.

Common Employer Questions

Is CO₂ monitoring legally required?

No, it is not a specific legal requirement. However, employers must demonstrate they have assessed and managed ventilation risks appropriately.

How often should ventilation be reviewed?

There is no fixed timescale. Nevertheless, reviews should occur:

• Following building alterations

• After complaints

• When occupancy levels change

• As part of routine health and safety audits

Does this apply to staff areas as well as classrooms?

Yes. Ventilation duties apply to all enclosed workplaces, including offices, staff rooms and meeting spaces.

How Latus Group Supports Education Providers

Latus Group works with education and childcare organisations across the UK to strengthen environmental health compliance.

Our approach combines:

• Occupational hygiene assessment

• Risk-based reporting aligned to HSE guidance

• Clear, practical recommendations

• National coverage, including mobile capability

In addition, we support senior leaders in integrating ventilation management into broader workplace health strategy. For example, our Occupational Health help address the downstream impact of environmental risks on staff wellbeing and absence.

Key Risks of Ignoring Ventilation

Failure to address Ventilation and Air Quality in Educational Institutions may result in:

• Increased staff sickness absence

• Reputational damage

• Enforcement action from the HSE

• Reduced pupil performance

• Parental complaints

Although ventilation may seem operational, it is ultimately a governance issue. Governors and trustees should therefore seek assurance that adequate systems and monitoring processes are in place.

A Proactive, Long-Term Approach

The refreshed Department for Education guidance reinforces that ventilation management is an ongoing responsibility. It should not be reactive or crisis-driven.

Instead, education leaders should:

1. Understand their building systems

2. Assess risk proportionately

3. Monitor performance where appropriate

4. Maintain systems consistently

5. Integrate findings into wider health and safety planning

By doing so, organisations create safer, healthier and more productive environments for staff and students alike.

Ventilation and Air Quality in Educational Institutions is no longer simply a pandemic legacy issue. It is a core workplace health responsibility grounded in UK legislation and regulatory expectations.

The updated guidance from the Department for Education provides clarity. However, implementation requires structured assessment and ongoing review.

For education providers seeking reassurance, independent occupational hygiene support offers measurable insight and compliance confidence.

To discuss ventilation assessment or environmental monitoring in your setting, explore Latus Group’s occupational hygiene services or speak to our team for sector-specific advice.