Clean Air Schools programme launches in Wandsworth

A new schools programme launching in Wandsworth will help encourage teachers, pupils and parents to tackle air pollution in their communities.

The Clean Air Schools programme is set to support local schools to raise awareness of air pollution among their students, families and wider communities.

The initiative will give accreditation to those schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to improving air quality in their areas.

Around 11 Wandsworth schools are on track to receive a ‘Gold’ accreditation in the initial phase of the programme after going through a comprehensive assessment and completing activities to promote clean air.

Clean Air at St Boniface RC Primary School

St Boniface RC Primary School in Tooting was part of a pilot stage of the programme and was awarded its gold accreditation at a special ceremony this month.

Laura Whitwell, deputy headteacher at St Boniface, said the school was delighted to be accredited as a Clean Air School.

“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,” explained Mrs Whitwell.

“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.”

As well as taking part in active travel events like Walk to School Week and the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel, the school worked closely with the council’s air quality team to put clean air measures in place.

These included becoming part of the School Streets scheme, which temporarily closes roads near school entrances to motor traffic during drop-off and pick-up times.

Young eco prefects took part in workshops, made posters and shared their knowledge with the rest of the school’s pupils.

St Boniface also hosted an anti-idling event with the council’s air quality team, engaging with local drivers to turn off their engines when parked.

How can schools get accredited?

Schools can work towards accreditation at their own pace, with plenty of support from our air quality team to organise activities and undergo assessment.

An air quality assessment using specialised equipment is carried out free of charge, and the council’s team can also give free workshops on pollution and vehicle idling.

An array of activities can be counted towards each school’s clean air accreditation, from walk or cycle to school days, scooter training, gardening clubs, and hosting eco events, where they can invite local councillors or the Mayor.

Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “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.”

Find out more about our Clean Air School Accreditation programme.

Wandsworth has been recognised by the Mayor of London for our work on improving air quality across the borough – you can read more in our latest Air Quality Annual Status Report.

The borough’s air quality continues to improve, with latest data showing pollution levels are down on last year.

We’re supporting our communities through making improvements across the borough that help us all breathe cleaner air.

• Over 1,400 EV charging points and 50% of primary schools benefitting from car-free school streets.
• Delivering on the Walking and Cycling strategy: providing cleaner, greener and safer active travel options for residents. This includes improving pavements and crossings for pedestrians and providing additional cycle lanes to connect key destinations in the borough.
• 130 additional bikehangar spaces have been installed, as part of London’s largest bikehangar installation programme with even more planned.
• 90% reduction in carbon emissions from the council’s new waste collection fleet and food waste collections are due to reach every possible home in Wandsworth, as part of our Cleaner Borough Plan.
• Waiving fees for street parties held to celebrate Car Free Day, as part of our Sustainable September activities.
• Working with schools on air quality audits and developing a clean air schools accreditation programme.
• Unveiling the 2,000th zero-emission bus in Transport for London’s fleet at Battersea bus station.

As a listening council, we will continue to work with residents, businesses, community energy groups, and local organisations over the year ahead. This includes working with our Air Quality Citizens Assembly and Air Quality Ambassadors to help local people understand and take action to improve air quality.

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