Air quality

Air quality and schools

Risks of air pollution to children

Imagine what it is like to breathe in tiny bits of smoke, dust, and chemicals – well what you're imaging is air pollution!  Children who have to breathe in this polluted air can be harmed because thesee tiny particles irritate their growing lungs, making it harder for them to breathe which can cause wheezes, coughs and even asthma.

As children breathe faster than adults they often take in more of these air pollutants, this can mean that children's lungs may not grow to a 'normal' size if they spend a lot of time in polluted areas and it can also affect how their brains develop, making it harder to learn and focus.

Schools see much higher levels of air pollution outside their gates during drop off and pick up times, this is mainly due to all the cars being driven to the school and many drivers leaving their engines on, also known as 'idling'. Interestingly an 'idiling' car produces more air pollution than when it is moving.

Benefits of clean air

Clean air is great for children. It helps their lungs develop well, reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses, and leads to more playtime, fewer missed school days, and better physical health. Clean air also boosts cognitive or 'brain' development, improving academic performance, attention span, and memory. Just being in clean air reduces stress and anxiety, promotes relaxation, improves mood, and creates a positive and healthier learning environment.

What can parents or carers do?

  • Consider walking, scooting or cycling to school instead of taking the car. Not only is it better for your children's mental health and physical fitness, but it reduces their exposure to air pollutants. It also reduces the high levels of air pollutants from cars at school gates during pick up and drop off times. And it doesn't just have to be the school run - when heading out to get your shopping or popping into town, try to walk or take public transport if you can.
  • Talk to your school about what they are doing to combat air pollution. There are lots of great schemes in place that any school can take part in, like Modeshift STARS, "walking buses" and Living Streets. Chat to your child's teachers or other staff members about air pollution and see what ideas they have to help reduce the number of car journeys being made to the school each day.
  • Talk to other parents and carers. Individual action is a great way to make a difference, but talking to other parents and carers about changes that you plan to make can encourage others to change their daily habits too. 
  • Avoid wood burning stoves. Burning wood in stoves or open fires, releases large amounts of harmful particulate matter and chemicals that are carcinogens (cancer causing). Even 'Eco-design' or Defra-approved stoves release huge amounts of these particles. If possible stick to cleaner home heating sources, like electric, gas boilers or air source heat pumps.

Clean Air Day

Clean Air Day is a national day held every summer organised by the charity Global Action Plan.  Eveyone is encouraged to take part to help shine the spotlight on the importance of  having clean air to breathe and to take our own actions to reduce the amount of air pollution we all produce. Global Action Plan provides lots of free resources for schools, community groups, healthcare professionals and individuals to use, including posters and ideas of how to get involved.

To celebrate Clean Air Day on 20 June 2024, Sandwell Council launched 'Auntie Duck', our FREE new air quality themed story book written by the Dog, DucClean Air - Auntie Duck drawingk and Cat Charitable Trust with advice from Sandwell's Air Quality Officers. 'Auntie Duck' helps children to navigate the potentially complex subject of air pollution when she flies in from abroad to visit her nephew 'Duck' and shares with him her experience of breathing in dirty air on her travels. She explains the sources of air pollution, the impact on health and what we can do to help.  The story can be read by children aged 5 to 11 but is most suitable for 7 to 9 year olds.

In addition to the story book, we are also providing a free 'Auntie Duck' resource pack, this includes lesson plans aligned with Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum, as well as a wide range of worksheets and activities. The resource pack is perfect for teachers, parents or guardians who want to deepen and expand their children's learning. If you would like to receive an online version of the book and resources, please contact us at pollution_control@sandwell.gov.uk.

Resources for schools, parents and guardians

There are a variety of resources available for teachers and schools for reducing local air pollution. A list of resources recommended by Sandwell Council's Air Quality Team are available below.

There are also online resources that can be used by teachers, parents or guardians.