More than 100 schools have been told they must immediately shut buildings that have a dangerous “crumbly” concrete – just a few days before the new academic year starts.
The Department for Education has ramped up its policy on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) to mandate all school buildings with it must now close. This action was previously only taken in the worst cases.
It is understood officials learned over the summer of cases where buildings with RAAC collapsed despite not showing any signs of deterioration.
Officials have promised schools they will fund any immediate works such as propping up buildings, but funding for longer-term solutions is still unclear. New guidance for schools has also been published.
