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<p>Since 2021, the Department has delivered over 700,000 CO<sub>2</sub> monitors to
over 45,000 state funded schools and colleges, as well as early years settings and
childminders operating in groups of four or more, and children’s homes that offer
places to six or more children.</p><p>The first phase of this programme began in September
2021 and supplied education providers with enough CO<sub>2</sub> monitors for 50%
of teaching and childcare spaces. The second phase began in December 2022 and ended
in April 2023. It ensured all eligible providers received additional monitors for
the remaining 50% of teaching and childcare spaces.</p><p>For poorly ventilated teaching
spaces in state funded schools where improvement to ventilation is not possible, the
Department has provided over 9,000 air cleaning units (ACUs) to over 1,300 schools.
The ACU programme began in January 2022 and was well received by schools, colleges
and childcare providers. Applications were reopened in November 2022 to give providers
another opportunity to receive a Department funded ACU for spaces with sustained high
CO<sub>2</sub> readings (1500ppm or more).</p><p>All ACUs provided by the Department
have met the minimum recommended technical specification for ACUs in education and
childcare settings. Details are available at: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1152803/HEPA_Specification_V0.9_.pdf"
target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1152803/HEPA_Specification_V0.9_.pdf</a>.
The Department’s technical specification was developed through consultation with industry
wide experts in both air cleaning and ventilation, from academia, professional bodies
and industry, including chartered engineers, scientists, and several Government Departments.
Through this consultation, the Department has developed a specification focusing on
key drivers including classroom size, acoustics, clean air delivery and filtration,
as well as requiring strong evidence to verify manufacturers' claims.</p><p>The application
window for a Department funded ACU has now closed. The Department’s ‘Find a Framework’
service continues to supply education and childcare providers with a route to purchasing
air cleaning units and replacement filters directly from suppliers. The service is
accessible at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-dfe-approved-framework-for-your-school"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-dfe-approved-framework-for-your-school</a>.</p><p>The
Department has published guidance with linked resources to help schools and nurseries
understand the need for good ventilation and how to make the most out of their devices.
This guidance is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-co-monitors-and-air-cleaning-units-in-education-and-care-settings"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-co-monitors-and-air-cleaning-units-in-education-and-care-settings</a>.</p>
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