Government Will Remove Weak Concrete From All Schools By 2029

The government has promised to remove a type of weak concrete called RAAC from all schools and colleges in England. This should be finished by 2029. This will help make sure school buildings are safe for children and teachers.
By Newsroom | Education, UK |

A recent wave of concern over the safety of school buildings, particularly those containing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), has prompted significant government action. The material, known for its fragility, led to school closures and disruption at the start of the academic year, forcing some pupils into temporary learning spaces. In response, the Department for Education (DfE) has announced a comprehensive plan to eliminate RAAC from all schools and colleges in England by 2029, before the next general election. This initiative aims to ensure safer learning environments and is part of a broader strategy to improve the nation's school estate.

Context of RAAC in Schools

The presence of RAAC in educational facilities became a prominent issue following a period of widespread concern and subsequent inspections. RAAC is a lightweight concrete composed of cement, lime, water, and an aeration agent, commonly used in roof slabs, floors, and walls between the 1950s and 1990s. Its structural integrity has since been called into question, with reports indicating it can become brittle and prone to failure over time, especially when exposed to moisture.

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New plan to fix 'ageing and fragile' schools exposed by Raac crisis - 1

  • Triggering Events: Just before the start of the recent school year, dozens of schools were compelled to close partially or entirely due to RAAC in their structures. This sudden action necessitated immediate, often temporary, solutions for affected students.

  • Disruption: The closures resulted in pupils being relocated to marquees or modular buildings for lessons and break times. Some schools also faced delays in term starts or resorted to remote learning arrangements.

  • Government Response: The Department for Education (DfE) has been actively working on a strategy to address the RAAC issue. This includes setting clear timelines for removal and integrating the remediation efforts into wider school building improvement programs.

Government's RAAC Removal Plan

The DfE has established a definitive timetable for the complete removal of RAAC from all schools and colleges across England. This commitment is tied to the timeframe of the next general election, aiming for a RAAC-free school estate by 2029.

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  • Timeline: The target is to have all classrooms free of RAAC by the end of the current parliamentary term.

  • Scope: The plan covers all 22,000+ schools and colleges in England.

  • Progress to Date: As of recent reports, RAAC has been permanently removed from 62 schools and colleges. An additional 123 schools are slated for rebuilding or major refurbishment through the DfE's School Rebuilding Programme.

  • Funding and Grants: While schools within the School Rebuilding Programme will have RAAC addressed as part of their larger projects, 108 schools and colleges are receiving specific government grants for RAAC removal, with works managed by their respective responsible bodies.

  • Pupil Impact: The government asserts that over 42,000 pupils are already learning in classrooms confirmed to be RAAC-free. The DfE states that, even with RAAC present at some sites, all 237 affected locations are currently providing full-time, in-person education.

Inclusion and Broader Building Improvements

The initiative to address RAAC is being framed within a larger context of improving school infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to education.

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New plan to fix 'ageing and fragile' schools exposed by Raac crisis - 2

  • Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND): A report from a parliamentary committee highlights that efforts to fix school buildings should actively incorporate measures to make them more inclusive for children with SEND.

  • Mainstream School Support: The government intends to enhance SEND support within mainstream schools, aligning with anticipated reforms detailed in forthcoming white papers.

  • Information Gaps: While progress has been acknowledged, MPs have pointed out that gaps remain in the available data concerning the wider condition of school buildings across England.

Parliamentary Oversight and Scrutiny

A committee of Members of Parliament (MPs) has been reviewing the government's approach to managing RAAC in schools. Their findings suggest that while the government has made headway, a more complete picture of the school estate's condition is still needed.

  • Acknowledged Progress: The committee's report recognizes the important progress made by the government in addressing the RAAC issue.

  • Information Deficiencies: However, the report also signals that gaps persist in the information held by the government regarding the overall condition of schools in England, particularly concerning RAAC.

Expert Analysis and Public Reaction

The RAAC crisis has brought to light the broader challenges associated with aging school infrastructure. The government's commitment to a 2029 deadline signifies a serious effort to rectify these issues.

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  • Broader Policy Context: The RAAC removal program is presented as an integral part of the government's wider strategy for school building policy, building on previous investments aimed at tackling aging and poorly conditioned estates.

  • Public Concern: The initial closures and disruptions led to public concern and highlighted the critical need for robust building safety standards in educational institutions.

Conclusion and Implications

The government's pledge to remove RAAC from all schools and colleges by 2029 represents a significant undertaking aimed at enhancing the safety and quality of the educational environment in England. The plan involves a multi-pronged approach, including direct removal, integration into rebuilding programs, and specific grant allocations.

  • Clear Commitment: The establishment of a firm deadline before the next general election provides accountability for the DfE.

  • Ongoing Challenges: Despite stated progress, the need for comprehensive data on the entire school estate suggests that continuous monitoring and adaptation of the plan may be necessary.

  • Focus on Inclusivity: The integration of SEND considerations into building improvement plans reflects a growing understanding of the multifaceted needs of the student population.

  • Future Steps: The government will need to maintain momentum with the removal program, ensure timely delivery of projects within the School Rebuilding Programme, and address any remaining information gaps to fully secure the school estate against the risks posed by RAAC.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is RAAC?
RAAC is a building material used in some schools built between 1950 and 1990. It can become weak and unsafe over time.
Q: Why are schools removing RAAC?
RAAC can break easily, and this has caused some school buildings to be closed. The government wants to make sure schools are safe.
Q: When will RAAC be removed from all schools?
The government plans to remove all RAAC from schools and colleges in England by the year 2029.
Q: How many schools are affected?
Many schools have RAAC. Some have already had it fixed, and others are part of building projects to remove it.
Q: Are children still learning safely?
The government says that even in schools with RAAC, children are still able to learn in person safely.