More than £400,000 has been claimed by schools for projects aimed at improving air quality.

The Bradford Clean Air Schools Programme (CASP), a Bradford Council initiative funded by the Bradford Clean Air Zone (CAZ), has seen 48 schools successfully apply for grants since its launch.

In addition to the grants, the programme sets out a plan to provide cleaner air for children in the Bradford district through engagement, education, and anti-idling enforcement at school gates.

Holybrook Primary School is one of the 48 schools that received up to £10,000 in grant funding from CASP.

The school's project includes bike storage and a cycle-to-school initiative to encourage behaviour change and make cycling a viable travel option.

Councillor Mohsin Hussain, along with the Clean Air Schools Engagement Officer, visited Holybrook Primary School to meet with the ECO Club and discuss air quality and pollution reduction measures.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's executive member for healthy people and places, said: “The CASP is engaging with many children, teachers, and parents in the district to make positive changes at school to reduce exposure to air pollution and take steps forward towards using active travel options to get to school.

"All schools in the district can get involved with our CASP: there are classroom activities, assemblies, and anti-idling options available to suit the requirements of the school environment.

"The positive improvements we are seeing in the air quality data show that we have made the right choice with the CAZ and we are starting to see health benefits, particularly to the most disadvantaged communities in the city."

Councillor Hussain, Bradford Council's executive assistant for healthy people and places, added: "It was a great experience to represent the council’s portfolio holder at Holybrook Primary School.

"The children from the school ECO Club were interested to learn about air quality and pollution and what we all can do to help reduce their exposure to harmful pollutants."

All 48 CASP projects that received grants have been started, and "many are completed," according to a council spokesperson.

Schools in the district are invited to ask CASP for help with anti-idling campaigns and educational support around the topic of air quality and pollution.

More information is available at https://www.bradford.gov.uk/breathe-better-bradford/air-quality/clean-air-schools-programme/