Thread by @_CatintheHat

Why do schools need to tackle poor VENTILATION in classrooms?

Because nationwide monitoring of UK classrooms shows that ventilation drops to appallingly low levels when outdoor temperatures drop & windows are closed.

Poor ventilation means airborne viruses spread like wildfire.

https://twitter.com/_catinthehat/status/1977701709540458515

And when those airborne viruses spread like wildfire, guess what happens to pupil & teacher absence rates?

Unsurprisingly, they sky rocket! 🚀

Here’s what happened to absence rates in the 2023/24 & 2024/25 autumn terms (vs the pre-pandemic average shown by the dotted line) ⬇️

Now look what’s happening to illness in 15-24 year olds right now… 👀

Covid rates have been steadily rising and are now at the highest point in over a year for this age-group.

Meanwhile, flu has seen a dramatic rise about a month earlier than usual.

(Chart from @1goodtern)

Now join the dots:

⚫️ Outdoor temperatures falling…

⚫️ Classroom windows kept shut…

⚫️ Airborne viruses surging…

⚫️ What will happen to pupil absences?

⚫️ What will happen to teacher absences?

⚫️ How much ££ will have to be paid out in supply teacher costs?

Here’s the annual summary of pupil & teacher absences PURELY DUE TO ILLNESS in recent years compared to pre-pandemic norms.

Both are around 40% HIGHER than pre-pandemic.

This much illness is *not* normal.

And, of course, when teachers are off sick, supply staff need to be called in…

…which is expensive!

In 2023/24, spend per pupil on supply costs was nearly 40% higher than pre-pandemic norms.

(£222 spend per pupil on supply teachers in 2023/24 vs just £161 in 2018/19).