Air pollution guidance for school and college staff

This national guidance has been published to help schools reduce pollution by encouraging safe and active travel.The guidance has been produced by the British Lung Foundation (BLF) and the National Education Union (NEU) with support from Living Streets, the national walking charity.

The trio of organisations want to highlight the health issues caused by air pollution, especially to young children, and provide practical steps that schools can take to protect pupils.

The guidance sets out how school leaders and staff can encourage safe and active travel, with information on how to set up a School Street – which typically involves closing roads around the school gates to motor traffic at peak times.

Schools are also advised to find and publicise safe walking and cycling routes, make sure there is sufficient parking for scooters and bikes, and encourage car sharing.

They should also work to discourage parents from parking outside the school gates and ask parents to turn off their vehicle’s engine when parked close to the school.