700,000 Students Facing School Closures Amid Concrete Concerns
Around 700,000 students are on the brink of facing last-minute school closures due to concrete safety warnings, and this might just be the start of a bigger issue.
Yesterday, it was revealed that 150 schools are potentially at risk of lockdown. These schools have received orders to close buildings and classrooms that have old concrete at risk of collapsing.
Education officials have taken action to ensure the safety of children by ordering the use of portable cabin units. However, up to 20 schools might have to shut down completely.
The problem revolves around schools with walls made of “crumbly” reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). This type of concrete has raised safety concerns, and unless proper reinforcements are in place, students may need to attend other local schools.
As the new school term is about to begin, the urgency of the situation is evident. Education unions have expressed concerns that more schools, potentially in the hundreds, might also need to close their classrooms and buildings due to similar concrete issues.
Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, stressed the importance of stability for children after the disruptions caused by the pandemic. She emphasized the need for clear communication and guidance to reassure children and families affected by these closures.
Simon Allford, president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, echoed the concerns, stating that having 700,000 students in buildings requiring major rebuilding or refurbishment is a significant worry.
The Department for Education (DfE) is advising affected schools to vacate areas with confirmed RAAC, even if they are assessed as non-critical. The DfE is also offering support for urgent measures, including temporary classrooms and propping tools, which will be fully funded by the government.
Schools are now working quickly to develop emergency plans as the start of the school term approaches. Parents are expected to receive information about affected schools in the coming days.
Not only schools, but other public buildings are also being investigated for their use of RAAC. The Cabinet Office has confirmed that 34 public buildings, including 24 hospitals, are being probed due to their potential use of this type of concrete.
RAAC, or reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, is a lightweight type of concrete used in construction. It was widely used in the UK until the 80s. However, in recent inspections, defects in some RAAC planks have been discovered, which, combined with severe weather, led to collapse.
The situation highlights the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of students and the structural integrity of these buildings. As parents, students, and education authorities work together, a resolution must be reached to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
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