Improving air quality at schools

Care for our Air logo

Cheltenham Borough Council is working with schools, families and communities to raise awareness of air pollution and its impact on our health.

Care for our Air Cheltenham is about education, action and protecting the most vulnerable – especially children. A key part of the campaign is tackling engine idling outside schools.

What is air pollution?

Air pollution is caused by harmful gases and tiny particles in the air. In towns like Cheltenham, the main source is road traffic – especially diesel vehicles.

The two main types of pollution are:

  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) – a gas that comes mostly from vehicle exhausts
  • Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) – tiny dust-like particles that can get deep into the lungs

Why does air quality matter?

Air pollution can affect your health – even if you can’t see it. It’s especially harmful for:

  • Children, whose lungs are still developing
  • Older people
  • Anyone with asthma or other lung or heart conditions

Breathing polluted air can:

  • Trigger asthma symptoms
  • Cause coughing or shortness of breath
  • Increase the risk of heart and lung disease over time

Cleaner air helps everyone stay healthier – especially those who need it most.

What you can do to reduce air pollution

Small changes make a big difference. You can help by:

  • Turning off your engine when parked – especially near schools
  • Walking, cycling or scooting for short trips
  • Car sharing where possible
  • Using public transport
  • Avoiding bonfires or burning garden waste

Every action counts. Together, we can help care for our air.

A leaflet for schools with a brightly coloured cartoon design of a red car against a blue sky. A cloud of exhaust fumes has the text "cough cough engine off" written on it and more information is presented in white clouds

Join the Care for our Air campaign

Air pollution in Cheltenham often peaks at school drop-off and pick-up times – just when children are outside and most exposed. Their lungs are still developing, making them more vulnerable to harmful air.

We want to work with schools across Cheltenham to reduce pollution and promote cleaner, healthier ways to travel. That’s why we’re offering a free support package to help your school take action.

Our free campaign offer includes:

  • Air quality monitoring outside your school
  • Curriculum-linked assemblies and workshops
  • Eco Council sessions focused on sustainable transport and air pollution
  • Colourful bespoke anti-idling banners for your school gates
  • Ready-made resources – including newsletter articles, parent leaflets and a digital social media toolkit

Example resources to download

We’d love your school to get involved. Whether you take part in just one activity or all of them, you’ll be helping to improve the air children breathe every day.

To find out more or to book your free activities, contact our Air Quality Education Officer: Imogen Sackett – [email protected]

Find out more

Want to know more about air quality and what’s being done in Cheltenham and beyond? Take a look at these links: