Education Secretary Encourages Completion of Reports
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has called on school officials who have not yet completed reports on the possible presence of dodgy concrete in their buildings to "get off your backsides" and do it. It has been revealed that up to 1,100 schools may be affected by the issue. Keegan has given local authorities and trusts until Friday to return surveys to the Department for Education, 18 months after they were initially received. The concrete, known as Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (Raac), was used in the construction of many public buildings between the 1950s and 1990s. It has a typical lifespan of around 30 years and can deteriorate, requiring monitoring by engineers.
Teachers Desperate for Solutions
In the midst of the concrete chaos, teachers at affected schools are pleading with parents to provide contacts at portable toilet or temporary classroom companies to help them fully reopen. The situation has raised fears that tens of thousands more pupils may be returning to classrooms with unidentified Raac. Currently, one in 20 school bodies, including councils and trusts, have failed to inform the government if they have any Raac in their buildings. The Education Secretary stated that she wants to be fully aware of the situation in every school and take the necessary action.
Government Warns of Impacted Schools List
The government will soon be publishing a list of schools affected by the dodgy concrete issue. Last week, 156 schools were given orders to make alternative teaching arrangements. As the remaining surveys are returned, the list is expected to grow. The five percent of bodies that have not yet responded equates to approximately 1,100 schools. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has supported the Education Secretary's call for action and emphasized that parents want reassurance on this matter.
Impact on Schools and Funding
The start of the school year has been chaotic for many, with teachers forced to make drastic arrangements due to the concrete issue. Some schools have even asked parents for temporary facilities such as Portaloos and Portakabins. Funding for repairs has also come into question, as it was revealed that a request made by the education department to double the repair program was rejected by the Chancellor. However, Downing Street has defended the government's record, stating that an average of 50 schools are being rebuilt each year.
Hospitals and Prisons Also Affected
The dodgy concrete issue extends beyond schools, as hospitals and prisons are also being impacted. The NHS has instructed hospitals to check for Raac and develop evacuation plans, with £685 million pledged for hospitals with concrete issues. At least 41 hospital buildings are affected, prompting concerns about patient safety. Additionally, prisons are being inspected for the crumbling concrete, with HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, expressing alarm over the potential implications for the sector.
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