A breath of fresh air: Reducing illness in early years settings by improving indoor air quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) directly impacts child and staff health in early years settings and schools. This article and podcast episode explores why clean air matters, what we've learned from COVID-19, and three essential actions to reduce airborne disease transmission: monitor, filter, and ventilate.

Read Anne Marie McConway's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-breath-of-fresh-air/

This episode is sponsored by Long Covid Kids Charity

Long Covid Kids is a UK charity which represents and supports families, children, and young people living with Long Covid and related post-viral illnesses. Through awareness campaigns, research advocacy, and expert-by-experience guidance, the charity works to increase understanding, aid early diagnosis, and improve intervention responses. The volunteer team provides support, guidance, and signposting for affected families navigating the many challenges of paediatric Long Covid.

To find out more visit: https://www.longcovidkids.org/

Download the free Clean Air Guide here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-breath-of-fresh-air/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

• Advocating for two-year-olds by Cassie Holland - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/advocating-for-two-year-olds/
• Advocacy, agency and rights in early childhood by Dr Jo Albin-Clark & Dr Nathan Archer

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Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome & introductions
04:00 – Why does indoor air quality matter?
06:00 – Which diseases are airborne?
08:45 – Government guidelines
10:00 – Carbon dioxide monitors
16:00 – Long Covid infections increasing
21:00 – We can't eliminate all risk
25:00 – Do air filters work?
28:00 – There are solutions to cleaner air
29:00 – The 3 essential steps to take
33:30 – Getting the children involved
34:30 – A cultural shift towards clean air
35:30 – Health benefits of outdoor fresh air
38:00 – Lack of staff training
40:00 – Attendance crisis in settings & schools
42:00 – Clean air should not be a selling point
44:00 – Clean air initiatives in England
47:00 – Free Clean Air Guide

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com