SURVEYS are underway on more Thurrock schools to see it they contain potentially dangerous Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
Schools across the country were thrown into chaos at the start of term as the Government’s Department for Education (DfE) announced hundreds of school closures in order to deal with buildings containing the crumbling concrete
Sarah Williams, Thurrock Council’s strategic lead for the council’s education support service, gave an update on the situation affecting schools in the borough and revealing surveys were underway on more schools.
Speaking at a children’s services overview and scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday, Ms Williams said: “Following work with DfE and and surveys undertaken in the summer we currently have five confirmed schools that have RAAC present in the building. Those schools are St Clere’s, Arthur Bugler, East Tilbury, Thameside and Corringham. We are awaiting the outcome of Aveley Primary School.
“Further to that there are additional surveys being undertaken by the department for four Catholic schools in Thurrock, Holy Cross, St Joseph’s, St Mary’s and St Thomas of Canterbury. Those surveys are scheduled to take place on September 14.”
Ms Williams said she was also still awaiting the outcome of a survey on Grays Convent sports hall roof.
Sara Muldowney, Labour councillor for Chadwell St Mary said: “St Clere’s especially, but the schools we have had problems with, are all suffering disruption.
“In terms of the new schools on the list that are now having RAAC surveys, what’s happening with the children going in to school Are there any things put in place to ensure children’s safety until the surveys can take place?”
Ms Williams said she was not aware of any mitigations plans being put in place at this stage.
Asked how the disruption to learning was being addressed, she said: “All the primary school students are having face to face learning although they may have been moved to alternative classrooms in the school so they are remaining on the site. St Clere’s has a mixture of remote and face to face learning.
“ Years 7,11,and 12 are all face to face learning and for Years 8 and 9 there is a mixed timetable. Communications have been sent to parents and there are plans in place between now and October 16 whilst they work with the DfE.”
Ms Williams added that there had been no incidents concerning RAAC at any Thurrock school to date.
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