£8 million from NHS England to support secondary schools

New multi-million-pound funding from NHS England will enable all schools to fully support the in-school vaccination programme.

The Department for Education has also announced that air cleaning units will be provided in all classrooms and teaching spaces that need them, with the £8 million in funding from NHS England set to be used to support secondary schools with the vitally important in-school vaccination programme for young people – hosting NHS vaccination teams and passing on materials about vaccination to further boost protection.

Since the government launched its application process, 1,265 education settings have made valid applications to receive an air cleaning unit. The further commitment will ensure every setting will receive the units they need.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “Face-to-face education for all students has consistently been my priority, and that is why I am pleased to further strengthen the tools available to schools to manage transmission of the virus, including funding air cleaning units for the small number of classrooms that need them due to poor ventilation, and providing additional NHS funding to free up staff time to engage with the vaccination programme for young people. My message remains the same as ever – testing, ventilation and vaccinations are our best weapons against the virus – keep testing, and get your vaccination as soon as possible.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Keeping children in school with face-to-face teaching is absolutely essential for their education, health and well-being. Vaccines are the best way to protect students from Covid-19 and, combined with better ventilation, will help keep cases down and schools open. Young people can get their vaccines at school, through walk-in sites across the country or their parents can book an appointment online – please do not delay.”