The recent alert regarding RAAC concrete came just one working day before the majority of schools were set to reopen following the summer break. The Department for Education (DfE) had previously recommended that schools create contingency plans in response to the potential risk associated with RAAC concrete. However, they have now escalated their guidance, urging schools to make alternative arrangements on the Thursday just prior to the resumption of classes after the summer holidays.
This development comes on the heels of similar concerns about the presence of RAAC concrete in seven UK hospitals, which are currently undergoing reconstruction at a staggering cost of £20 billion. RAAC concrete, originating from the 1980s, has now reached the end of its expected lifespan.
Sean Keyes, the Managing Director of Sutcliffe, expressed his dismay, stating, “Numerous studies have been conducted across the country on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, or RAAC. Now, the government has abruptly introduced a new directive within the last 24 hours, mandating the immediate closure of schools and other buildings located in areas with RAAC. This means these establishments cannot open for the new term. This is unacceptable, as the issue has been known for several years. While RAAC does not pose health risks like asbestos, it may lack the necessary structural strength. In the unlikely event of a RAAC roof collapsing, the consequences could be severe.”
Originally favored in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s for its thermal properties, RAAC has since been found to deteriorate with time. The issue gained prominence following the sudden collapse of a primary school roof in Essex in 2018.
The number of affected schools has now surged to an estimated 104, doubling the previous estimate of 50 impacted schools. A National Audit Office report in June warned that 572 schools across England might be at risk due to the expiration of their RAAC.
Gillian Keegan, the Education Secretary, emphasized, “Nothing is more paramount than ensuring the safety of children and staff in schools and colleges. That is why we are taking immediate action based on new evidence regarding RAAC, ahead of the start of the term. A cautious approach is necessary for the well-being of both students and staff. The plan we have outlined will minimize disruptions to student learning and provide schools with the necessary funding and support to address RAAC-related concerns.”
Minister of State for Schools, Nick Gibb, assured that the government would cover the costs incurred by schools relocating. Speaking on Sky News, he stated, “We will cover all capital costs. So if, in the worst-case scenario, we need portacabins for alternative accommodation, we will bear all those expenses.”
Gibb acknowledged that not all affected schools had been notified yet, with a “few more” still awaiting contact.
Tim Seal, Head of Construction at the law firm Ridgemont, provided insights, saying, “The impact of RAAC will vary from case to case. Not all schools with RAAC need to close. The disruption experienced will depend on the specific circumstances, including the mitigations a school can implement and how quickly they can do so. RAAC was utilized in public buildings from the 1960s to the 1990s, not only in schools but also in hospitals, among other places. Not all of these structures remain in the public sector today. It would be prudent for building owners and managers at risk of having RAAC in their buildings to seek advice from qualified structural engineers or building surveyors.”
Criticism has arisen regarding the timing of the RAAC risk announcement. Steve Reed, the Shadow Justice Secretary, voiced his concerns on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, stating, “After 13 years of Conservative failure, the infrastructure of our public sector is literally crumbling. Imagine the frustration of parents across the country who have just learned, days before the start of the school term, that their child’s school will be closed. They could have taken action at the beginning of the school holidays to begin preparations.”
