West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has unveiled an initiative aimed at teaching children how to tackle air pollution in their communities.
During a visit to Corngreaves Academy in Cradley Heath, he met with pupils aged seven to nine to discuss how poor air quality affects their health, and what simple steps they can take to reduce their exposure.
As part of the visit, he read from Auntie Duck, a specially written children’s storybook about air pollution, developed with support from Sandwell Council’s air quality team.
Curriculum-linked resources for every school
The programme will offer every school across the West Midlands a pack of classroom activities, assembly plans and workshops, aligned with the National Curriculum.
Primary schools will also receive free copies of Auntie Duck, which uses the story of a visiting duck flying through polluted skies to explain the impact of air quality in a way young children can understand.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has already piloted the scheme in 10 schools, with a full regional rollout planned over the coming year.
Clean air is a right, not a privilege
Mayor Parker said: “Being able to breathe clean air should be seen as a right not a privilege.”
