Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to her oral contribution of 19 September 2023, at which school children expressed that they wanted to stay in portacabins; and what capital investment that school has received since 11 May 2010.

An updated list of schools and colleges with confirmed cases of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was published on 19 September, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/updated-list-of-education-settings-with-raac.

Every school or college with confirmed RAAC is assigned dedicated support from the Department’s team of 80 caseworkers who work with them to assess what support is needed and implement mitigation plans. Mitigation plans could include using other spaces on the school site, in nearby schools or elsewhere in the local area, until structural works are carried out or temporary buildings are installed. A bespoke plan is put in place to ensure that each school and college receives the support that suits their circumstances.

Project delivery teams are on site to support schools and colleges, whether that is finding short term accommodation options or designing and putting in place structural solutions for affected spaces. The Secretary of State has also visited several schools and colleges affected by RAAC.

The Department has increased the supply of temporary buildings, working with three contractors, and accelerated the installation of these. The Department also met key water and utility companies between 30 August and 5 September 2023 to ensure the easy connection to temporary services. The Department has secured significant capacity to meet current needs and can increase this if necessary. The Government will fund the emergency mitigation work needed to make buildings safe, including installing alternative classroom space where necessary.