Department for Education Confirms Growing Issue

The Department for Education has confirmed that an additional 40 schools have been found to contain crumbling concrete. This brings the total number of schools affected by the RAAC crisis to 214.

94% of Schools Continue Full-Time Face-to-Face Learning

Despite the presence of dangerous concrete, 94% of the affected schools are still carrying out full-time face-to-face learning. However, the remaining 12 schools have implemented a hybrid system of remote and online teaching.

Education Secretary Comments on the Situation

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan stated, "As of 16 October, there are 214 education settings with confirmed RAAC in some of their buildings. Thanks to the hard work of school and college leaders, 202 settings (94%) are providing full-time face-to-face education for all pupils. 12 settings have hybrid arrangements in place."

She further explained that the hybrid arrangements involve some remote learning on certain days, as not all pupils can currently receive full-time face-to-face education. It's important to note that there are no education settings with confirmed RAAC where all pupils are in full-time remote learning.

The Issue with RAAC Concrete

RAAC is a lightweight type of concrete commonly used in roof, floor, cladding, and wall construction. However, in recent years, it has been discovered that RAAC planks can crumble, especially under severe weather conditions.

Its consistency has been compared to that of an Aero chocolate bar, and it easily crushes under pressure. While the crumbling concrete has been found in schools, it's worth noting that hospitals across the UK also use this material.