Schools leaving windows open during winter

[Helenj1977]

I have 2 children at school and my eldest has been told that windows will be open during the winter, they can wear coats. My nephew is in reception and my sil has been told the same.

I get why but seriously how can that be good for them?? I can't imagine them learning much if they're sat shivering.

This is extremely sensible, thank goodness schools are taking notice of the science. Covid is spread by aerosol droplets, so ventilation is key to reducing infection rates.

Get them some thermals. They won't get ill from being cold - illnesses are caused by viruses spreading, not cold air. Cold, humid air with no sunshine helps the virus stay alive, which is why we get cold and flu season in winter, but it doesn't cause illness and the ventilation of an open window will help prevent the spread.

@Char2015 - mmm so if you think it’s pretty easy stuff and you are more likely to catch viruses in a cold, well-ventilated classroom why do you think it’s recommended to leave windows open??

@CallmeAngelina I think you may teach my son 😆

Hmmm, time to go shopping. Again. The school will probably announce with 2 days notice what it is acceptable to wear under uniform to keep warm as it announced with about that much notice the need to get tracksuits and different trainers for PE days as they would be wearing PE kits all day.

There are entirely outdoor based nurseries and they survive the weather just fine!

No Char, viruses spread more easily in enclosed spaces with no ventilation.

That's why its much much safer to meet up with others outdoors than indoors.

Schools are absolutely roasting. Seriously they are like the gateway to hell.

During this rooms should be well ventilated. Our home when indoors all the windows are open.

Hmm. Children wearing extra layers or keeping teachers and TAs safe by having ventilation in the room as per the scientific advice. What to do...

They have to have the rooms ventilated so not really sure there’s much else they can do?

[quote Inastatus]@Char2015 - mmm so if you think it’s pretty easy stuff and you are more likely to catch viruses in a cold, well-ventilated classroom why do you think it’s recommended to leave windows open??[/quote]
You think all class-rooms are well ventilated? Even with an open window, it doesn't mean classrooms are well-ventilated. Far from it in a lot of schools. It helps to a certain degree to have a window open evidently, but children will get cold during the winter months, that is just nature. I'm not saying children can't have extra layers. I'm just saying children will get cold. It's not rocket science. I understand the reasons for leaving windows open. I'm not against them being open by any means I'm just clearly stating open window in winter months - cold children - potential for spread of viruses to a greater degree.

I have my classroom windows open all year round. I always have done. They get hot, stuffy, can stink and are filled with germs.
Children are hardly ever bothered. They can just put their jumper or cardigan on.

Are some people that incapble of appropriately dressing their children that the thought of open windows is a problem?

My son went to forest school nursery, he was cold because he was dressed properly. My boyfriend went to an outdoor ‘nursery’ until he was seven in Sweden, he wasn’t cold as he was dressed properly.

Even in normal times closed windows are horrible, not only does it increase the chance of catching a cold etc from someone else in the room, but a closed room is stuffy and very smelly. Colds don’t spread more in winter due to cold weather, its because people choose to dress innapropriately and so are spending more time indoors in close proximity to others.

In places where people don’t hide inside in the winter colds and flu aren’t as big a problem.

@Char2015 - ok, not arguing any more but if you have a look back on this thread there are quite a few other posters who also disagree with you.

The windows have to open to make sure there is plenty of ventilation and everyone is as safe as possible. If its a choice of being a bit cold or getting the virus I'm pretty sure I know which one I'd prefer.

I doubt they'll be that cold anyway, the heating will be on and there'll be 30 or so children in each room.

@CallmeAngelina

All our boys insist on wearing shorts all year round, even in snow. A few years back, one child's mum insisted he wear trousers in January, and he would smuggle in shorts and get changed in the loos.

And skirt rolled up! And when did you last see a teenager wearing a coat? Even in the snow? They’ll survive.

I am sure that I read that the benefits of the ventilation are cancelled out by the lower temperatures if windows are left open in the winter - coronavirus survives better in cold temperatures.

@sunseekin

I am sure that I read that the benefits of the ventilation are cancelled out by the lower temperatures if windows are left open in the winter - coronavirus survives better in cold temperatures.

I'd take my chances with the ventilation, personally.

Freezing? It’s the UK - it doesn’t dip below 12 degrees for most of the year.

The windows at my nursery are open all year round. I can’t imagine keeping them closed - how unhealthy.

Only on Mumsnet would anyone moan about classroom windows being open, and that’s only because it’s full of teachers,

Only on Mumsnet would anyone moan about classroom windows being open, and that’s only because it’s full of teachers,
I don't think it's teachers that are moaning.

YABU. Fresh air is vital. And I'm not even someone who sleeps with the window open much!When I'm not working, I have all the windows in the house open at the same time for at least 2 or 3 hours during the daytime. Even if it's as low as -10°, I'd still do it for an hour or two.

Good. Being cold doesn't give you a cold. A cold is a virus. Ventilation will reduce the transmission of colds as well as Covid.

Schools are atrociously hot and smelly in my experience. Open windows are a good thing.

coronavirus survives better in cold temperatures

no, I think we are talking below 4 degrees here. I would worry if classrooms went down to 4 degrees. I don't think that is possible with central heating on too.

More coughs and high temps then on the way. More children out of class.

Why? How is an open window going to cause more colds . I always had the windows open, classrooms do indeed get a bit smelly, and they are usually roasting.

I recommend Uniqlo heatech T-shirts as base layer. Ventilation is a good thing.