Witham Constituency schools affected by RAAC says Dame Priti

SCHOOLS "across the Witham constituency" have been affected by collapse-risk concrete issues, an MP has said.

More than 100 schools, nurseries and colleges in England have been told by the Government to close classrooms and other buildings that contain an aerated concrete that is prone to collapse.

The Department for Education (DfE) said a minority of the state facilities may have to move completely and some children may be forced back into pandemic-style remote learning.

But the Government has refused to publicly reveal the 104 education facilities which have been told to shut buildings, and critics warned the problems with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) could be far wider.

Witham MP Dame Priti Patel, has said she is “deeply concerned” about the issue, which is affecting schools “across the Witham constituency”.

Witham MP Dame Priti Patel (Image: PA)

“I am deeply concerned to learn certain schools across the Witham Constituency have been identified as structurally unstable with RAAC”, Dame Priti said.

“I have written to the Secretary of State for Education today about this situation.

“The Department of Education must work with Essex County Council to support pupils and ensure arrangements are put in place to minimise disruption of student's education and to ensure that our local school buildings are safe.”

Essex County Council said disruption to local authority schools is “minimal”, adding how it anticipates “one local authority school will be affected”.

“Approximately 50 schools (local authority and academies) in Essex have known RAAC. However due to systems already in place at the majority of these schools most will be able to open as usual when term begins”, the council said.

Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council cabinet member for education excellence, lifelong learning and employability, said: “The Department for Education has published new guidance regarding reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in schools.

“This guidance outlines that urgent action must be taken at any schools with known RAAC. If systems are not already in place, then buildings affected must not be used until surveys have taken place and suitable systems are installed.

“We have been working quickly to establish schools affected in the county. We are aware of three local authority schools that have known RAAC and do not have mitigations in place.

"We anticipate there will be disruption at one of these schools at the start of the Autumn term, however, plans are in place to return to face to face teaching as soon as possible.

"All parents will be communicated to directly by their school regarding any changes to teaching while plans are put in place.

“We are working closely with these schools to minimise any disruption to learning. We are also supporting them in communicating with parents and carers.”