artwork or teaching materials.” ● When using a heat pump or another system for heating and cooling: � “Pre-heat the space to a comfortable temperature no lower than 18 degrees C before the early learning service day to improve the draw of fresh air through partially opened windows. � Increase indoor heating or cooling during the day, if you need to, to offset the impact on temperature of having the windows open. � Reset the temperature of the room to a comfortable level no lower than 18 degrees C after it has been vacated and aired out, by briefly closing all windows and doors and running the system on its highest setting before re-occupying the room and reopening windows. � Ensure your heat pump or heating system is regularly checked and serviced, including cleaning its mesh dust filter, to make sure it is operating efficiently.” ● For those with mechanical ventilation ensure these systems are: � “Checked, cleaned and maintained by an appropriately skilled technician in accordance with the system’s warranty and maintenance specifications. � Arrange for an appropriate skilled technician to: � Configured to operate for at least two hours before and after the early learning service day. � Configured to increase the amount of fresh air brought in by the system and minimise the amount of stale air it filters and recirculates, where this can be done while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.” References Ministry of Education (Mar 2023). Ventilation in early learning services. Retrieved from https://www. education.govt.nz/early-childhood/ running-a-service/ventilation-in-earlylearning-services/ Ministry of Education (2022). Evaluation of Ventilation in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEs) Centres. An Analysis of 29 spaces at five ECEs in New Zealand. Smith (nee Flood), T. (2019). The assessment of indoor environment quality in New Zealand early childhood education centres. Master thesis. Massey University, New Zealand. EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL CONFERENCE 2023 – INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP At this year’s Early Childhood Council Conference, I will be running an interactive workshop to work through with you how your centre is supporting those within it and what can be done to make a difference to your own health and those you care for. Please come and join me on 21st July in Wellington, I would love to meet you. ● MoE guidance for colder weather and seasons when it is more likely doors and windows will be kept closed includes: � Heat: Heat the room before the start of the early learning service day, which will allow people to open windows earlier in the day. Keep heating on throughout the day to stay warm, with windows partially opened whenever possible. � Open: Open windows by at least a crack or as much as you can while staying warm. Opening lots of windows, a little can be more effective in colder weather. If the weather is bad outside, close what you need to stay comfortable. � Reboot: Take refresh breaks to clear the air at different times during the day by fully opening all the windows and doors, preferably while having everyone exit the room. Aim to do this at least four times each day.” MOE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT ● All The MoE recommendations can be found here https://www.education.govt. nz/early-childhood/running-a-service/ ventilation-in-early-learning-services/ ● On The MoE ventilation webpage, there are: � downloadable resources and other useful tools � recommendations for other supplementary solutions that support ventilation and � there are also discounted prices for suitable portable air cleaners and CO2 monitors from the Ministry’s nominated suppliers. ● For ventilation support and advice from MoE you can contact ventilation. mailbox@education.govt.nz MoE, “Increase indoor heating or cooling during the day, if you need to, to offset the impact on temperature of having the windows open.” (Manawa Children’s Village, Wallaceville. Photography Alastair McKenzie) ABOUT THE AUTHORS 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 St Kentigern Preschool, 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 June 2023 { 34 }
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