Critical Safety Concerns Arise in 52 Schools Across England Due to Unsafe Concrete Structures, Schools Minister Nick Gibb Reveals
In a concerning development, it has been disclosed by Schools Minister Nick Gibb that 52 schools in England faced the ominous threat of sudden structural collapse due to precarious concrete conditions. These alarming revelations have prompted urgent safety measures to be implemented at these educational institutions, deeming them critically at risk.
Furthermore, over 100 additional schools, previously considered to be less susceptible, have now been directed to restrict access to areas with compromised concrete structures until adequate safety measures are instituted. This new guidance has emerged in the aftermath of a concrete beam collapse that was previously believed to be secure.
As the start of a new term looms, headteachers are currently engaged in frenzied efforts to devise alternative arrangements for their students. Some pupils have been informed that they will be transitioning to remote learning, temporary classrooms, or transferring to different schools.
Curiously, the government has not provided a timeline for the release of a list detailing the affected schools, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the Labour Party.
Since 2022, a total of 156 schools have been confirmed to have utilized reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Among these, 52 were identified as posing a critical risk, and swift safety interventions have been initiated.
Addressing the situation on BBC Breakfast, Mr. Gibb affirmed that buildings at these 52 schools could have potentially collapsed, underscoring the urgency of the government’s actions.
An additional 104 schools with confirmed RAAC were initially categorized as non-critical. However, they have now been instructed to cease access to structures and rooms constructed with RAAC unless safety measures are in place, which may involve reinforcing ceilings.
Mr. Gibb emphasized that the guidance evolved in response to the unexpected collapse of a supposedly safe beam, highlighting that over the summer, several instances, both within and outside England, revealed previously deemed low-risk RAAC to be unsafe. Some of this evidence emerged as recently as last week.
The Department for Education (DfE) has acknowledged that a minority of schools will need to either fully or partially relocate to alternative accommodations while necessary safety measures are executed. Nevertheless, the DfE has refrained from specifying a timeline for the replacement of RAAC, a material widely utilized until the mid-1990s.
With over 20,000 schools in England, this issue is of paramount concern. Notably, two primary schools in Bradford, Crossflatts and Eldwick, have been affected, with sections of these schools closed to pupils following the identification of compromised concrete, as confirmed by the council.
Parents of students at Crossflatts, such as Shazad Ismail, are navigating the challenge of temporary classroom setups, with some parts of the building rendered inaccessible.
Willowbrook Mead Primary in Leicester has also been forced to rearrange attendance for various year groups across different schools, while older students are resorting to online learning. The head teacher acknowledged the less than ideal timing of these adjustments in a letter to parents.
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson, in response to the situation, called upon ministers to disclose the comprehensive list of schools with confirmed RAAC, urging transparency with parents regarding the scale of the issue.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan assured that affected schools would communicate directly with parents and reassured them not to worry if they do not receive immediate contact. She emphasized the plan’s aim to minimize disruptions to pupil learning and provide schools with the necessary funding and support to address RAAC-related concerns.
In Essex, county council leader Kevin Bentley expressed frustration and concern after learning that 50 schools in the region had RAAC, with three potentially requiring closure. The challenges of replacing these schools just days before the start of the term have raised significant concerns.
Teachers’ unions have strongly criticized the DfE for announcing these measures so close to the reopening of schools, describing the situation as a manifestation of government incompetence.
The National Audit Office (NAO) had previously indicated a “very likely and critical” risk of injury or fatalities resulting from school building collapses due to RAAC.
RAAC, a lightweight variant of concrete with a “bubbly” composition, was extensively employed between the 1950s and mid-1990s, commonly in flat roof panels and occasionally in pitched roofs, floors, and walls. Its typical lifespan is approximately 30 years.
The DfE reported sending a questionnaire to schools in 2022, inquiring about the presence of confirmed or suspected RAAC in their buildings. Schools responding positively subsequently had their assessments validated by DfE-commissioned engineers. The DfE is encouraging schools with concerns to complete the survey on their website.
The Local Government Association had been issuing warnings regarding the risks associated with RAAC since 2018.
Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Munira Wilson emphasized the paramount importance of pupil safety while deeming the last-minute revelations unacceptable.
The government asserts its awareness of RAAC in public sector buildings, including schools, since 1994. It claimed to have advised schools to establish adequate contingency plans since 2018 to address potential evacuations of affected structures.
Meanwhile, in Wales, the government has announced plans to survey schools and colleges to determine the presence of RAAC in their construction. In Scotland, the Liberal Democrats suggest that up to 37 schools may be impacted, while Northern Ireland is currently conducting surveys to assess the situation.
Beyond schools, numerous public buildings, including courts, hospitals, and police stations, have been identified as susceptible to RAAC-related risks.
