These temperatures, the institution warns, can hinder the normal progress of classes and affect the health and well-being of students, teachers and other staff. The measures proposed include improving thermal insulation and solar protection systems, increasing green and shaded areas, installing suitable ventilation and air-conditioning systems, creating hydration points, and adapting spaces and activities during episodes of extreme heat.
EDUCATION LAUNCHES “CLASSROOMS THAT BREATHE”
In response to the institution’s requests for information, the Department of Education has reported the launch of the “Classrooms That Breathe” plan, whose aim is to improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency in schools. As a first step, the administration has gathered information on thermal conditions, the impact of heat on teaching activities and existing needs in order to prioritise future shading, ventilation, insulation or air-conditioning measures.
The Ombudsman recalls that last May it had already issued a general recommendation for all schools in Aragon regarding classroom air conditioning. At the time, it warned that high temperatures could affect the health and safety of teachers and the well-being of students, who, as minors, require special protection.
THESE ARE THE 19 CENTRES
This general action has now been joined by recommendations based on specific cases. The measures affect the Pedro de Luna, Ramón Pignatelli, Martínez Vargas de Barbastro, Pablo Serrano, Martina Bescós, Pilar Lorengar, José Manuel Blecua and Miguel de Molinos secondary schools, as well as Valdespartera III, Tenerías, Vadorrey-Les Allés, Pedro J. Rubio in Huesca, Lucien Briet, Hermanos Marx, Gil Tarín in La Muela, María Moliner, José Camón Aznar, San José de Calasanz and Cortes de Aragón primary schools.
Through these resolutions, the Aragon Ombudsman is providing the Department of Education with specific information about the schools reporting problems related to high temperatures and the needs expressed by each education community, so they can be taken into account when planning and prioritising measures. The institution considers it necessary to make progress in adapting schools to heat episodes in order to guarantee suitable conditions for students, teachers and other staff.
