Ventilation in Universities Government Funding 2021-09-06
2021-09-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the government's provision of funding to universities for ventilation systems to protect students from the virus during the 2021-22 academic year. There were concerns over the adequacy of measures taken by institutions.
What funding the Government have provided to universities for effective ventilation to help safeguard students against covid-19 in the 2021-22 academic year?
Higher education providers should complete suitable and sufficient assessments of the risk of covid-19 and identify measures to manage those risks, including ensuring adequate ventilation based on our comprehensive guidance. As autonomous institutions, it is for providers to put in place their plans based on individual circumstances, including allocating their own budgets.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific funding figures or commitments regarding ventilation systems in universities.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the effectiveness of current measures in providing a safe learning environment for students and sought clarity on whether successful pilot testing in schools would be extended to university settings.
Notwithstanding the Minister's comments, there are still huge gaps in what needs to be done to provide a safe learning environment for students up and down the country. Students, including many from my Edinburgh West constituency, have already had two academic years disrupted and proper ventilation will be vital to preventing a third, so will the Minister make a commitment here and now that if the schools test pilot currently under way proves successful, it will also be rolled out in our universities?
The hon. Member talks of Edinburgh university but I am sure she will understand that education is in fact devolved. She also refers to the CO2 monitoring devices that are being allocated this term to schools; however, technical limitations mean that CO2 monitors are likely to be unsuitable for many spaces in universities, particularly those with high ceilings.
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Assessment & feedback
Changed the subject by addressing devolved responsibility and technical limitations of CO2 monitoring devices instead of committing to roll out such measures.
Response accuracy