Government faces calls to ensure classrooms are warm over winter to stop Covid-19 spread

EDUCATION chiefs in Westminster have been called to provide ‘warm and well-ventilated’ classrooms for children over winter amid fears of a second spike of coronavirus crippling schools.
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Gavin Williamson, education secretary, is facing demands to ensure measures are put in place to limit the spread of Covid-19.

The plea comes from Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth South MP, and followed a shocking warning by scientists, who last week claimed a second viral wave could kill up to 120,000 in the UK.

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In a written question to Mr Williamson, Mr Morgan said: ‘What steps he is taking to ensure that class rooms will be kept at sufficiently warm levels in winter months while simultaneously being effectively ventilated to prevent the spread of Covid-19?’

Some pupils of Wymering's Medina Primary School on their return to school on June 1.
Picture: Habibur RahmanSome pupils of Wymering's Medina Primary School on their return to school on June 1.
Picture: Habibur Rahman
Some pupils of Wymering's Medina Primary School on their return to school on June 1. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Responding, education minister and Bognor Regis MP Nick Gibb, insisted the government had been ‘clear’ on its plan for pupils.

The Tory minister said within this plan there was guidance advising schools to ‘ensure there is good ventilation in classrooms’ and that health tips on air condition and ventilation were followed.

‘Arrangements for ventilation will vary in each setting based on individual circumstances. As normal, schools will need to continue to ensure good ventilation during the winter heating period,’ he added.

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Mr Morgan has since fired back and said Mr Gibb’s response showed how ‘out of touch’ the government was.

‘Classrooms in Victorian schools in Portsmouth are cold enough already in winter without the need to open windows for ventilation,’ he said.

‘I will continue to work with parents, teachers and local unions to ensure their voice is heard in Westminster so that schools can re-open safely in September.

‘Our city schools need certainty and clarity, not utter nonsense from the Tories.’

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