Local schools unaffected by concrete concerns

Local authority schools in Hertfordshire are unaffected by closures due to the presence of aeriated concrete in buildings.

The County Council have issued a statement to reassure parents that no schools will need to close as a result of the direction from the Department for Education on managing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in schools.

The statement says: "Between 2020 and 2021, we carried out surveys on 279 local authority maintained schools that had  buildings constructed between 1959 and 1989, the risk period initially identified by the DfE. This identified three schools that needed remediation works, and those works were completed in 2022.

"While we have no reason to believe that any other school buildings contain RAAC, as a precaution we will now also be carrying out surveys on schools with buildings built in the 1950s and early 90s, which are at lower risk.

"We are encouraging parents to contact their school directly if they have any concerns."

Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for local authority maintained schools. However, Academies and Voluntary Aided schools are responsible for their own surveys and remedial works.

Aerated concrete is a lightweight building material commonly used in public buildings from the 1950s to mid-1990s. It has an estimated lifespan of around 30 years, and many structures have now passed that age.