Michael Costain, Managing Director of Lyrical Communications, shares his thoughts on why the education sector should be at the top of our agenda.
With September bringing the start of a new school year and autumn fast approaching, the impact of the current energy crisis is going to really start to bite. The excitement (or dread) of starting a new term will be felt up and down the country. Headteachers continue to face the challenges of educating our children whilst managing school budgets – and this school year brings the added pressure of stretching these straining finances to adequately heat school buildings.
This latest crisis comes hot on the heels of a torrid two years in education due to the COVID pandemic, and it is unclear how this new challenge will impact our children. With many families unable to heat homes this winter, schools continue to have an extended role to play in providing the most disadvantaged children with a safe, warm place to spend the day, however this support appears to be under threat.
Headlines talk about more disruption to education. According to reports, school leaders have been considering a three-day week to manage rising electricity and gas prices alongside the demands of teacher salaries. This is at odds with Schools’ Minister Will Quince, who is insisting that schools need to stay open 5 days a week.
So many of our schools are characterised by old buildings, burdened by energy inefficiencies. Sadly, it’s probably too late to make changes to the built environment for vital cost savings this winter. But, looking forward, our sector has a huge role to play in future-proofing our schools; educating our educators about the changing technology mix available.
Air quality, heating, and water saving solutions should be right at the top of the education sector agenda. With the right input now, we can create a straightforward way of educating education about the technology options available, helping to create secure, safe and warm learning environments for generations to come.
Michael Costain is Managing Director at Lyrical Communications
