PUPILS in a Benfleet school hit by the crumbling concrete crisis are set to return to face-to-face learning, an MP has announced.

The Appleton School, in Croft Road, Benfleet, was one of more than 100 schools across the country where reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was found in its buildings.

As a result, the school confirmed the Tower, North and South block areas at the school had to be closed.

Pupils in Year 8, 9 and 10 have been learning remotely, with laptops sent to children following a Department for Education grant.

However, now, Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris has said all pupils will return to face-to-face learning with "no RAAC remaining". 

Ms Harris said: “Following further specialist surveys commissioned by Essex County Council and the Academy Trust, it has been confirmed that there is no RAAC in the remaining parts of the school.

“All students will therefore be returning to the school full time for face-to-face learning from Monday.

“The headteacher wrote to parents to inform them on Wednesday.

“School staff will be working over the weekend to ensure the teaching spaces that have been shut up since July are clean and ready to receive students and teachers first thing Monday.”

Echo: Castle Point MP Rebecca HarrisCastle Point MP Rebecca Harris (Image: N/A)

Ms Harris stressed the next priority must be to help those affected by the remote learning so far this term.

The south Essex MP added: “Now pupils are back to face-to-face teaching the next priority for me is making sure the school has all the support they need from the DfE and Essex County Council to catch-up those pupils who struggled with distance learning.

“I am seeking a meeting with the headteacher and Essex County Council so plans can be nailed down as soon as possible.

“The last few weeks have been very stressful for parents, students and teachers and I know the news that face-to-face learning can resume for every pupil at the school will be a great relief to many.

“I want to thank the Leadership of the School for their persistence in getting pupils back in classrooms as soon as possible and Essex County Council for all the support they have given the school to do so.”