The EVC Magazine Autumn/Winter 2024 - Magazine - Page 6
NEWS & VIEWS
FIND OUT WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING IN THE
EDUCATIONAL VISITS SECTOR
No evidence that nut allergens are transmitted in aircraft
cabin air
A new study from Imperial College London (October 2024) found no evidence
of allergens being transmitted through aircraft ventilation systems; however,
there is risk from residue on surfaces such as seats, tray tables and screens,
which may not have been removed between flights, especially where there is
a tight turnaround.
The findings will be of interest to staff taking school groups overseas. The
study reinforces actions that you should include in risk management when
travelling with children or staff with allergies. To help reduce risk:
→ consider having a no nut policy for your group (or other allergen);
→ ensure that any children or staff that require an autoinjector (e.g.
EpiPen) have these in their hand luggage and accessible during the flight;
→ take cleaning wipes and carefully wipe down any surfaces such as seats,
belts, controls, window blinds, tables and screens.
Read more at www.imperial.ac.uk/news/257074/no-evidence-thatallergens-transmitted-aircraft
UK school children disconnected from nature says WWF report
Only a quarter (24%) of schools provide daily opportunities to experience nature according to Schools for Nature, a
report from the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).
The report highlights the positive effects of being in nature during
lessons, as part of pupils’ free time, or through school trips, extracurricular activities and clubs. These include impacts on physical
health, mental wellbeing and educational outcomes, as well as
benefits for school staff in terms of professional development and
wellbeing.
However, over half (56%) of secondary schools surveyed said
that they don’t offer any outdoor learning to pupils, and only
27% of schools said that outdoor learning is embedded into their
curriculum for all students.
WWF is calling for all schools to be supported to enable pupils
to have regular nature experiences as a part of their educational
entitlement. www.wwf.org.uk/press-release/schools-nature
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