Parents across the UK can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the full list of schools impacted by the RAAC concrete crisis has been published. This much-awaited list reveals the extent to which thousands of children are being affected by either delayed school starts or having to endure remote learning.
Some Schools Face Delays, Others Resort to Remote Teaching
While most schools have managed to continue with face-to-face teaching despite the crisis, it is concerning to note that 18 schools on the list have experienced a delayed start of term, while another four schools are currently teaching students remotely.
Previous Number Revised
The original tally of 156 schools was reduced to 147 as nine schools were found to have no trace of the faulty RAAC concrete. This revised number underlines the extent of the problem and the urgent need for action.
Pressure Mounts on Education Secretary
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan faced mounting pressure to release the full list to the public, allowing people to understand the true scale of the crisis. The long-awaited publication finally took place just moments before Chancellor Rishi Sunak was scheduled to answer questions in his weekly Prime Minister's Questions.
Government's Response
Responding to the crisis, Prime Minister Boris Johnson made it clear that decisive action was being taken and emphasized that the vast majority of schools were unaffected. He pledged to provide support to teachers, parents, and students, working towards a return to normal schooling as quickly as possible.
Delay in Reporting Raises Concerns
As the situation continues to unfold, concerns are growing as reports suggest that up to 1,100 schools may be affected by the faulty concrete. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has called out local authorities and trusts, urging them to speed up their reporting process and provide accurate information about the state of their buildings. So far, one in 20 school bodies have failed to inform the government about the presence of RAAC concrete, with a deadline of Friday given for surveys to be completed and returned to the Department for Education.
Teachers Seeking Help to Fully Open Schools
As schools struggle to find solutions, teachers at affected schools are reaching out to parents for assistance. They are asking parents to get in touch if they have contacts in portable toilet or temporary classroom firms, as these resources could help facilitate a full reopening of schools.
