Thousands of Students Face Remote Learning as Schools Deemed Unsafe
With the start of the new term just days away, parents and school heads are demanding answers as the government declares numerous school buildings unsafe due to the risk of collapse. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan is being urged to immediately release a full list of the 156 buildings containing concrete prone to crumbling, so that parents and schools can make the necessary arrangements.
Criticism Mounts as Concrete Risks Have Been an Ongoing Issue
The sudden change in guidance by the government has left tens of thousands of children facing the prospect of remote learning similar to lockdown conditions. This has raised concerns among parents and school leadership, who are questioning why the issue of crumbling concrete, which has been known for years, is only now being addressed. Yesterday, 104 schools were contacted and warned about critical levels of lightweight reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
Immediate Action Required as Dozens of Schools at Risk of Closure
Emergency arrangements must be made to prevent school buildings with crumbling concrete from collapsing, according to Schools Minister Nick Gibb. Already, 52 schools have been advised to take precautionary measures. In response to growing fears, the government plans to publish a full list of impacted schools, once parents have been notified and appropriate arrangements have been made for the affected students.
Dodgy Concrete Forces Schools to Move to Remote Learning
As more instances of crumbling concrete have been reported over the summer, dozens of schools will be compelled to switch to either partial or fully remote learning. The decision to shut down at-risk buildings follows a roof collapse at a school in Stevenage in 2018, caused by RAAC. Leaders, such as Councillor Kevin Bentley of Essex Council, express frustration and grave concern over the matter.
Government Incompetence Slammed by Education Union
The National Education Union general secretary, Daniel Kebede, criticizes the government's handling of the situation, calling it a "disgrace" and a clear indication of their incompetence. According to Kebede, it is unacceptable that 104 schools are only now discovering that their buildings are unsafe and unusable just days before the start of term.
