The UK government has vowed to take swift action to ensure the safety of pupils, following the discovery that numerous schools have buildings made with aerated concrete prone to collapse. With as many as 104 schools and colleges containing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) instructed not to reopen their buildings this term, the magnitude of the issue is starting to emerge. Over 50 other educational sites have already implemented mitigations due to the presence of RAAC, and it is believed that this material may also be found in hospitals, courts, and some public housing.
RAAC is a low-cost, lightweight form of concrete that was commonly used in construction across Britain from the 1950s to the mid-1990s. Concerns about its potential collapse risk became evident in 2018 when the roof of a primary school in Kent unexpectedly caved in.
Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt reassured the public that the government will take immediate action once they become aware of any risk to children’s safety. “We will do whatever it takes to ensure that children are safe,” he stated. Hunt revealed that officials have launched an extensive survey of all schools to identify those with RAAC.
The Sunday Times reported that experts have warned of potential asbestos exposure in the affected schools, resulting in potential closures lasting several months. The Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK organization has consistently highlighted the presence of RAAC planks in various UK buildings, estimating their useful life to be around 30 years.
Despite the government’s promises, critics including education officials, public sector unions, and opposition parties have voiced their discontent with the handling of the crisis. Many have criticized the short notice given to affected schools before the start of the new term. England’s Children’s Commissioner, Rachel De Souza, expressed disappointment and frustration, stating that there should have been a comprehensive plan and a robust school building program in place to address this issue over the years.