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<p>The department is providing CO2 monitors to state-funded education settings, including
early years, schools, and further education providers, backed by £25 million in government
funding.</p><p> </p><p>The new monitors will provide further reassurance that existing
ventilation measures are working, helping balance the need for good ventilation with
keeping classrooms warm. The department has also provided new information on how to
use CO2 monitors to better manage ventilation.</p><p> </p><p>In the case of persistent
red readings on CO2 monitors, settings should initially look at whether doors or windows
can be opened, and/or mechanical ventilation systems fixed.</p><p> </p><p>If this
is not feasible and CO2 readings cannot be improved, settings should look at undertaking
further works to address the underlying problem. Remedial works to improve ventilation
remain the responsibility of individual settings. Schools receive an annual devolved
formula capital allocation to spend on small capital projects or capital purchases.</p><p>
</p><p>For more substantial capital works, schools and those responsible for school
buildings have access to funding to improve the condition of their buildings through
different routes depending on their size and type. Further details are available at
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/school-capital-funding" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/school-capital-funding</a>.
Day to day maintenance, including minor repairs to improve ventilation, should be
typically funded from revenue budgets.</p><p> </p><p>The case for additional support
for settings to maintain good ventilation will be kept under review as the programme
continues and schools, colleges, and nurseries use the monitors to further assess
their ventilation needs.</p><p> </p><p>Department officials and Ministers regularly
meet with a wide range of other government departments and external organisations
to discuss the government's COVID-19 outbreak response. This includes the use of public
health measures in education settings such as ventilation.</p>
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