Schools and Air Quality

Tower Hamlets school and air quality

Children are among the most vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. Their lungs are still developing, and exposure to pollutants can lead to long-term health issues, including asthma, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular problems later in life.

Protecting young people’s health is our top priority. That is why we are taking proactive steps to reduce pollution around schools where children spend a significant part of their day. Cleaner air means healthier pupils, improved concentration, and a safer environment for learning and play.

Schools' air quality audits

To improve air quality and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants for pupils and parents, we launched an air quality auditing programme for nursery and primary schools across the borough.  Schools are carefully selected and prioritised based on the air quality levels in their surrounding areas. Those in areas with higher pollution levels are prioritised to ensure that the children most at risk benefit first from targeted interventions and support.

This initiative began in 2021, and we aim to carry out up to four audits each year.

The air quality audits provide clear recommendations to improve air quality in school buildings, playgrounds, and surrounding roads.

Audited schools receive a comprehensive audit report with practical recommendations, helpful tips, and expert advice to support efforts to reduce pollution and create a healthier environment in and around the school.

Schools where air quality audits have been completed

• Mulberry Canon Barnett Primary School
• Bigland Green Primary School
• Stephen Hawking School
• Blue Gate Fields Junior School
• Blue Gate Fields Infant School
• English Martyrs Roman Catholic Primary School
• Woolmore Primary School
• Beatrice Tate School
• Harbinger Primary School
• St Luke’s Church of England Primary School
• Harry Gosling Primary School
• Wellington Primary School
• St Agnes Catholic Primary School
• Stepney Park Primary School
• Kobi Nazrul Primary school
• Chisenhale Primary school
• Globe Nursery school

If your school is interested in participating in the audit, please contact us to register your interest. email -environmental.protection@towerhamlets.gov.uk

School idling workshops

Tower Hamlets Council, in partnership with MP Smart Travel, is delivering School Engine Idling and Air Quality Awareness Workshops at selected primary schools across the borough. The initiative aims to empower young people by educating them about the risks of air pollution from unnecessary engine idling. Through interactive sessions, students will gain the knowledge and confidence to champion cleaner air in their communities and help reduce harmful emissions around their schools

The aims of the project

• Educate and inspire: Deliver high-quality, interactive workshops that teach students about air quality and its impact on health.
• Take action: Host an engaging anti-idling event at school pick-up time, where a small group of students will use handheld monitors to show drivers the real-time impact of engine idling on local air quality.
• Create change: Collaborate with students to design and produce anti-idling banners, proudly displayed outside schools, to spread the message.
• Raise awareness: Inform parents and school staff about the dangers of air pollution and how simple actions can make a big difference.

Together, we are building a cleaner, healthier environment for our children, starting right outside the school gates.

School idling patrol and anti-idling signage

Action against engine idling around schools

Leaving a vehicle engine running when parked causes unnecessary local pollution.

Tower Hamlets Council’s Pollution Team is actively conducting anti-idling patrols at schools to raise awareness about the harmful impact of engine idling on air quality and children’s health. These patrols are delivered in partnership with the Council’s Parking  Enforcement Team and take place during school pick-up hours, when idling is most common.

By engaging with drivers and promoting cleaner practices, we aim to create healthier environments for our pupils and reduce unnecessary pollution at the school gates.

In addition to conducting anti-idling patrols, Tower Hamlets Council’s Pollution Team is installing anti-idling signage along school boundaries and idling hotspot areas around the borough. These signs serve as a visible reminder of the harmful impact of engine idling and reinforce the message that Tower Hamlets is a ‘No Idling Borough’ .

By combining patrols with clear signage, we aim to raise driver awareness, reduce unnecessary emissions, and protect our children's health.