Immediate Action Required
Nearly 150 schools across the UK are being ordered to shut down buildings and classrooms that are at risk of collapse from faulty concrete. With just days before the start of the new school year, education chiefs are scrambling to find alternative solutions to ensure the safety of students.
Risks of Dodgy Concrete
An internal memo seen by Trending In The News reveals that the Department for Education (DfE) has advised schools to immediately vacate any area where Reinforced Aerated Autoclave Concrete (RAAC) is in use, even if the risk is assessed as non-critical. This comes after concerns were raised about the potential dangers posed by RAAC, which has been found in at least 65 schools so far.
Emergency Plans Underway
Schools are now rushing to put emergency plans in place, including ordering portacabin units to accommodate students and moving equipment like computers to safe classrooms. Year groups may be temporarily displaced across multiple schools, leaving parents uncertain about how long their children will be at different sites.
Prioritizing Safety
Local authorities have been instructed to prioritize vulnerable pupils and students when making alternative arrangements. This may mean ordering students to attend other schools in the area or conducting classes in portable units.
A Department in Disarray
The revelation of the risky concrete has caused criticism of the Department for Education, with Bridget Phillipson, the shadow education secretary, calling the situation "shocking evidence of a department in disarray." She has demanded answers from the education secretary regarding the number of affected schools and the safety of students.
Concerns and Contingencies
The Department for Education has been working with schools and responsible bodies since 2018 to address concerns about RAAC. Contingency plans are being developed to minimize disruption to education. The DfE has emphasized that the safety of pupils and teachers is its utmost priority.
