Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Watch as Gillian Keegan takes questions in parliament on crumbling concrete in schools

Oliver Browning
Tuesday 19 September 2023 12:59 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Watch as Gillian Keegan, the education secretary, takes questions in parliament on schools affected by crumbling concrete and the impact on children's learning.

The number of education settings in England where collapse-risk concrete has been found has risen, the Department for Education (DfE) said on Tuesday (19 September).

Another 27 schools and colleges have been identified with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) on site.

Overall, 174 education settings in England have been confirmed with Raac as of 14 September.

The original list – published earlier this month – showed 147 Raac sites as of 30 August.

One secondary school in east London – Stepney All Saints Church of England Secondary School – has had to switch to remote learning for all students because of Raac, according to the DfE list.

An additional 23 schools are providing a mix of face-to-face lessons and remote learning to pupils as Raac was present in their buildings.

"We are taking a cautious approach so every parent in England can be reassured their child is safe in their school," Ms Keegan, the education secretary, said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in