automatically when the CO2 becomes high. The other room my own research has found to be very poorly ventilated is the sleep room while babies are sleeping there. My research has shown that if there are windows, they are very rarely open, the door to the classroom is often closed while the babies are asleep, and the 50mm gap usually allowed for under the door has been blocked by carpet. Therefore, for the whole time, the babies are asleep in the sleep room, there is no ventilation, resulting in some astronomically high CO2 readings. If your sleep room is naturally ventilated, consider installing a CO2 sensor to see what the levels are reaching. Please also check if there is at least a 25mm, or ideally a 50mm gap under the door or if you have a ventilation panel in the door or consider even keeping the door open at all times. Other ways to improve ventilation right now? Just start with the five things below. Five things you could do right now to help improve ventilation in your classroom: 01. First thing in the morning and before you leave at night, throw open all doors and windows for 5 to 10 minutes to refresh the inside air – even if you have mechanical ventilation. 02. If you have natural ventilation in your centre, keep the windows or doors open during the day – even if it's just a crack on those colder and wetter days. And don't forget the sleep rooms! 03. Check all bathroom extracts and any other mechanical ventilation extracts – are they growing a horrible grey fur? – if they are, request them to be cleaned. 04. Check that there is at least a 25mm or, ideally, a 50mm gap under all your internal doors – especially on the door to the sleep rooms. 05. When using a heat pump, ensure you still have at least two windows open at least a crack - one to bring fresh air in and the other to let stale air out. Phil and Tiffany Smith, owners of Smith Architects, have specialised in designing world-class education architecture for over 20 years in NZ, Australia and the UK. They believe in crafting beautiful human spaces based on research that brings together architecture and evolutionary psychology. They have been recognised for their achievements in sustainable early childhood architecture with their designs achieving many local and international awards for centres including Kakapo Creek Children’s Garden, Gaia Forest Preschool, Three Trees Learning Centre, Campbells Bay Early Learning Centre, Fantails Childcare, Chrysalis Early Learning Centre, Kristin Early Learning, New Shoots Children's Centres and Te Mirumiru Childhood Education Centre. Website: www. smitharchitects.nz References Bennett, W. D., Zeman, K. L., & Jarabek, A. M. (2008). Nasal contribution to breathing and fine particle deposition in children versus adults. J Toxicol Environ Health A. Lum, S. B., Jenkins, P., & Shimer, D. (2013). Children's activity patterns and inhalation rates: determinants of exposure and dose. Wargocki, P., Sundell, J., Bischof, W., Brundrett, G., Fanger, P. O., Gyntelberg, F., . . . Wouters, P. (2002). Ventilation and health in non‐industrial indoor environments: report from a European Multidisciplinary Scientific Consensus Meeting (EUROVEN). Indoor Air. First thing in the morning and before you leave at night, throw open all the doors and windows for 5 to 10 minutes to refresh the inside air – even if you have mechanical ventilation (Gaia (Earth) Forest Preschool NZ. Photography by Tessa Chrisp). If you have natural ventilation in your centre, make sure you open the windows and doors during the day – even if it's just a crack on those colder and wetter days (Gaia (Earth) Forest Preschool NZ. Photography by Tessa Chrisp) December 2022 { 25 }
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