UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Around 90% of schools affected by the RAAC crisis are still waiting for dangerous concrete to be removed, while critics are raising concerns.
Stephen Morgan, Labour’s education minister, has revealed that the RAAC problem may take as long as five years to resolve the issue, with a large number of students continuing their studies in temporary facilities.
As reported by The Independent, new data reveal that around 232 schools are set to gain government funding after the discovery of RAAC during last autumn’s national scandal.
The porous concrete, which has been called “80% air” and compared to an “Aero bar,” led to three roof collapses at Britain’s schools in 2023, with the Tory government ensuring funding for its removal.
Mr Morgan revealed that only 30 schools have successfully had RAAC removed with the help of the government’s fund to date.
Out of the 232 schools, 110 are benefiting from government grants for concrete removal, while 122 are having their damaged buildings revamped or renovated as part of the school rebuilding project.
In reply to a question from the Liberal Democrats during a parliamentary inquiry, the education minister stated that the rebuilding process would take three to five years to complete.
This means that almost 90% of schools are still pending and waiting for government assistance to eliminate RAAC.
Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat education spokesperson told the press, “Thousands of children are studying in dangerous schools or inadequate temporary buildings, with the timeline for repair stretching on for years. This generation of young people saw unprecedented disruption to their education under Covid so that 90 per cent of schools are yet to see action to remove RAAC is deeply concerning.”
She said the government must urgently address the crumbling schools issue, as the RAAC removal grants and School Rebuilding Programme are lacking the required speed.
The National Education Union general secretary, Daniel Kebede spoke to the Independent stating, “It is imperative that greater efforts are made to prioritise these repairs which, by their nature, are safety critical.”
He added, “Though school rebuilding can be a good long-term solution, delaying repairs for up to five years seems like leaving a great deal to chance. That is not acceptable.”
A spokesperson from the Department of Education stated, “Driving high and rising school standards is at the heart of our mission to improve children’s life chances, and high-quality and sustainable buildings are a key part of that.”
They continued, “Targeted funding is being provided to schools affected by RAAC to resolve issues and help ensure the safety of all children, including supporting them with temporary provision so every child has a suitable education.”
According to the Lib Dems, the slow progress of the rebuilding programme could affect 68,000 students and urged ministers to outline a plan to speed up the work.
Mayflower Primary School in Leicester was given just one day to shut its door due to aerated concrete, forcing the 500 pupils to be dispersed across four sites. According to headteacher Luke Whitney, some children took online classes, while others attended classes at a mosque.