Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete or ‘RAAC’ is a new concept for many people, but actually it is one that Saffron Academy Trust has been cognisant of for some time. To imply that we have been, to intentionally misquote Gillian Keegan, “resting on our backsides” about RAAC is offensive to say the least. Let us explain why, because our offence has little to do with her vulgar language choices.
As the secretary of state for education has been so keen to remind us in recent days, the responsible bodies for school buildings are trusts and local authorities. As a trust, we take that responsibility seriously and we have exercised such responsibility.
In 2020, a term after Honywood School in Essex joined Saffron Academy Trust, we commissioned a full survey of the building. RAAC was identified. We learned from the survey that the concrete panels were “in good condition” and that “monitoring at a maximum of two-yearly intervals” was recommended.
We were instructed that “new roof coverings are required”, so we undertook this remedial action and funded it through the Schools Capital Allocation (SCA). This rapid response was considered good practice by the DfE and we were confident that we had exercised our health and safety duty in a fully compliant way.
