Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to paragraph 2.15 of the Condition of school buildings report, HC1516, published by the National Audit Office on 28 June 2023, whether her Department has recommended that any of the schools that may contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete to close (a) permanently or (b) temporarily one or more school buildings.
Answer
The safety of pupils and staff is vital. Where it is suspected that reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is present in a school, the Department takes swift action based on professional advice.
It is the responsibility of academy trusts, Local Authorities, and voluntary aided school bodies, to manage the maintenance of the schools they run and alert the Department if there is a concern with a building. Local Authorities and academy trusts do not need to report building closures to the Department, but the Department provides support on a case-by-case basis, working with the sector when it is alerted to a serious safety issue.
In cases where RAAC is confirmed, the Department provides rapid support to schools on the advice of structural engineers. This could include funding capital works to remove any immediate risk and, where absolutely necessary, the provision of temporary buildings. Where RAAC poses an immediate risk to occupants, Responsible Bodies are advised to take spaces out of use with immediate effect, based on the professional advice of structural engineers. Decisions to close one or more buildings at a school are made by the school’s Responsible Body. Longer term remediation of RAAC is supported by capital funding provided to the sector, the Department’s rebuilding programme, and urgent capital support.
The Department provides support to schools and Responsible Bodies and has allocated over £15 billion since 2015 to keep schools safe and operational. This includes £1.8 billion committed this financial year, informed by consistent data on the school estate. In addition, the Department’s School Rebuilding Programme will transform 500 schools over the next decade, prioritising schools in poor condition.
The Department will continue to work with Responsible Bodies, schools, and colleges to support them through the process of investigation, assessment, and management of RAAC.