Greens welcome school ventilation funding boost
Scottish Greens have welcomed extra funding to improve ventilation in schools and nurseries to help prevent the spread of COVID.
Green MSPs have consistently raised the issue of safety in schools and the need to have options in addition to opening windows to maintain safe airflow – especially during the cold winter.
Extra funding for ventilations systems was proposed by Scottish Greens health spokesperson Gillian Mackay last week during parliament’s virtual session and announced today by the First Minister.
As a result, funding of up to £5m will be available to schools to improve their ventilation systems.
Responding, Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer said:
“This extra funding is most welcome and something the Greens have consistently raised with ministers. Teachers and support staff are contacting me daily with their concerns about the risk of omicron in their classrooms. Many need options to improve ventilation beyond opening windows, which is particularly challenging in poorly heated buildings and on cold winter days.
“Scottish Government guidance is clear on the other mitigation measures which may be needed, so I’m glad that is now backed up by extra cash. Scottish Greens will continue to push for a safe environment for children, young people and staff in schools.”