AQW 27947/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 13/01/2022
Answered On Date: 31/01/2022
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to provide a copy of the circular advising schools of the minimum temperature in a classroom that is safe for staff and pupils to continue to have effective learning.

Answer:

DE COVID-19 Guidance for Educational Settings: Section 2: Reduction of Virus Transmission, provides guidance on recommended temperatures in classrooms.

I would draw your attention to the paragraphs on ventilation, specifically:

“To ensure the health, safety and welfare of staff and pupils the ambient temperature in a workplace should not be below 16oC.”

This guidance is available on the Departmental website:

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-schools-and-educational-settings-northern-ireland