With the breaking news from the Department for Education (DfE) regarding their updated approach to the impact of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in education settings, including schools, colleges and maintained nursery schools, I completely recognise there will be some uncertainty for parents and students in the area ahead of the new Autumn term.
Whilst this DfE announcement explains a further 104 schools, added to the 50 they have already been working directly with, across the UK require support to mitigate the impact to their buildings.
Please be assured, I have been in touch with the schools in the Sedgefield constituency that are affected by the RAAC concrete issue and understand they are all being assisted by experts and have their plans in place to mitigate the impact of this huge challenge.
Massive credit to the school teams for their work on this and to the DfE for their prompt reaction to the changed guidance. I have offered my help should it be needed. Those constituents that are affected should first take guidance from the school but if they need us to help please email at [email protected]
WHAT TO DO?!
The DfE are working directly with affected schools across the UK to assess the impact of the RAAC on their buildings and to put in place mitigation options.
Affected schools have been tasked with directly liaising with the parents/carers of their students.
I understand that once this has been completed, details of which schools have been impacted will be made public. So the message is very much ‘back to school as normal unless you hear differently and directly from your child’s school’.
I will, of course, continue to closely monitor this situation for schools, nurseries and education settings across the Sedgefield constituency.
How are you supporting schools and education settings where RAAC is present?
Most education settings will be unaffected by this change in approach.
For those settings that are affected, we’re working to make sure there is minimal disruption to education and the vast majority will remain open for face-to-face learning from the start of term.
All settings known to contain RAAC will be assigned a dedicated DfE caseworker who will work with the responsible body to assess the site’s particular needs and help them put in place individual solutions.
This could include using other on-site buildings, local spaces, safety measures in the affected area and, in some cases, erecting temporary buildings.
We have also published further guidance for schools and colleges on identifying and managing RAAC. This will set out how the department will provide support and capital funding to schools and other settings so that face-to-face education continues safely.
Everything you need to know about the new guidance on RAAC in education settings can be found here.