Schools case study

What has been going on?

For the past 12 months, Deliver Change has trialled several ways to speak to and engage with schools – the aim being to have those schools sign up for the Educational Programme and a free AirSensa. Below are the conclusions.

Stage 1 – Mass Emailing

Time was spent researching and collecting contact details of key personal in schools in the 12 central London boroughs and emailed (follow-up engagement included emails and phone calls). Conclusion: low sign-up rate.

Stage 2 – Direct presentation to teachers

Mainly through teacher improvement days arranged by local authorities. These events were successful and the feedback from teachers positive. Conclusion: successful – around 150 schools registered

Stage 3 – Partnerships

After learning just how time consuming engaging with schools actually is – it was decided to reach out to other organisations (specifically not-for-profits and charities) who have existing relationships with schools. The vision is that AirSensa could be incorporated into existing projects to enhance and improve them, but also to offer impact measurement. Conclusion: successful relationships were formed, but not fully utilised. This was mainly held up by the lacking in AirSensas available for schools.

But there have been problems …

Our expertise as an organisation has always been in technology, IT and software – so developing the Educational Programme has been learning a curve. So far our main problems and barriers have been:

• Schools not installing units
• Issues with the AirSensa units and firmware, meaning there is a shortage of units available
• Schools not using or understanding the data

Now solutions!

• It is now part of the agreement that if a unit is not installed within 14 working days, then it will come back to Deliver Change
• DC are slowly updating all AirSensa units in the field with the latest firmware and designing the next stage to be able to be uploaded remotely via the GSM network
• DC are currently going through a second stage of educational materials development – with the aim to make them more engaging and simple to use

So what now?

1. Schools with an installed AirSensa: we want them to use the data and resources available
2. Schools on the waiting list: the list still exists but we cannot guarantee when a unit will become available. However, if a school wishes to get a unit sooner and raise the money themselves – then Deliver Change will do everything we can to support
3. Schools that are interested – then please sign up and if relevant – get sponsored

Why should schools get involved?

• Air pollution is a huge risk to children’s health, and they should be educated about the risk
• Be part of the solution
• Take control and make a positive impact in your local area
• Educational opportunities using the data

Marner Primary School

Marner Primary school is situated in East London, and is ringed by busy roads and a dual carriageway. The school has already had educational programmes from organisations such as Loop Labs. We wanted to offer them long term air quality monitoring, to ensure continuity.