A new initiative is being rolled out in Wandsworth to help schools, families and communities take action on air pollution. The Clean Air Schools programme will support teachers, pupils and parents to raise awareness of air quality and introduce practical measures to reduce pollution.
Schools taking part can achieve accreditation at Bronze, Silver or Gold level by completing a range of activities throughout the year. Around 11 schools are already on track to achieve the top Gold award in the first phase of the scheme, following assessments and events designed to promote clean air.
One of the first to be accredited is St Boniface RC Primary School in Tooting, which received its Gold award this month after taking part in a pilot.
Deputy headteacher Laura Whitwell said: ‘With our location and abundance of public transport, St Boniface has always had lots of our families who cycle, scooter, walk and take public transport. Focusing on clean air helps staff talk to them about pollution, healthy and active lifestyles, the planet and the science behind it all. All this raises questions within families around what we can do to improve the quality of our air.’
The school worked closely with the council’s air quality team, joining the School Streets scheme to reduce traffic at drop-off and pick-up times. Pupils took part in workshops, designed posters, and ran awareness campaigns as young eco prefects. The school also hosted an anti-idling event, speaking directly to drivers about switching off their engines.
To achieve accreditation, schools can access free support from Wandsworth’s air quality team, including specialist air quality assessments, pollution workshops and anti-idling action days. Activities such as cycle-to-school events, scooter training, gardening clubs and eco assemblies all count towards awards.
The programme, developed by the council’s Air Quality Team and Wandsworth Air Quality Ambassadors, aims to create lasting change. By engaging children and families, organisers hope schools can become champions for cleaner, healthier air across the borough.
Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, added: ‘It’s fantastic that so many of our local schools are already taking positive action to help improve air quality for pupils, teachers, families and their wider communities.
‘We’re excited to launch the Clean Air School accreditation programme to highlight the hard work that is already taking place, and support more schools to take part.
‘Clean air around schools is so important, so pupils can come to school uninhibited by toxins entering their system, which can contribute to long term health conditions such as asthma and other respiratory diseases.
‘Our air quality team is dedicated to improving the quality of the air we breathe, and is there to help schools to play their part by taking manageable and fun steps towards cleaner air.’
Photos: Wandsworth Council
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