Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced a commitment to removing deteriorating concrete from all educational institutions before the next election. Despite the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in schools across England two years ago, many children are still studying in buildings containing this hazardous material.
In 2023, approximately 100 educational settings were advised by officials to close affected structures immediately unless safety precautions were implemented, as reported by the Mirror. Following three roof collapses in 2023 caused by the material, the government allocated funding to facilitate its removal. However, the process of eliminating RAAC from schools is still ongoing.
Phillipson emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities to every child, regardless of their location or school. She highlighted the urgent need to address the crumbling infrastructure in schools, stating that it reflects a lack of regard for children’s well-being. Phillipson underscored the Labour party’s commitment to rectifying the situation created by the Tories in education.
The Education Secretary outlined a plan to ensure that by the end of the current parliamentary term, all schools and colleges in England not scheduled for complete or substantial reconstruction will be free of RAAC. Additionally, projects for schools requiring reconstruction will be in progress. The goal is to create a conducive learning environment for children, free from the dangers posed by deteriorating infrastructure.
Out of approximately 22,000 educational institutions in England, 237 were identified with deteriorating concrete. The Department for Education confirmed that 62 of these schools and colleges have successfully removed RAAC permanently. This initiative aims to prioritize the safety and well-being of students and staff across educational establishments.