New additions bring total number of affected schools to 214
The Department for Education has confirmed that an additional 40 schools have been found to contain crumbling concrete, bringing the total number of affected schools to 214. This revelation highlights the ongoing crisis surrounding the use of RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) in education buildings across the country.
Majority of affected schools continue with face-to-face learning
Despite the presence of dangerous concrete, 94% of affected schools are still able to provide full-time face-to-face education. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan commended the efforts of school and college leaders in ensuring that students can continue their education in a safe environment. However, 12 schools have had to implement a hybrid system of remote and online teaching due to the inability to offer full-time face-to-face education to all students.
RAAC's use and its issues
RAAC is a lightweight type of concrete commonly used in the construction of roofs, floors, cladding, and walls. However, in recent years, it has been discovered that RAAC planks can crumble, particularly under severe weather conditions. Its consistency has been compared to that of an Aero chocolate bar and has been shown to easily crush under pressure. Not only schools, but hospitals across the UK are also built with this crumbling concrete.
Previous delays and closures
In early September, 19 schools had to delay the start of the term after surveyors discovered RAAC in their buildings. Some schools even had to shut down entirely. However, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has now confirmed that no more education settings are currently in full-remote learning mode.
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