Local authority-run schools and academies in Stoke-on-Trent are free from the controversial building material known as RAAC, according to investigations and surveys carried out.
However, no data is available yet on whether RAAC (full name Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) is present in other public buildings constructed in the city – although the local authority has confirmed it is looking into it.
Between the 1950s and 1990s RAAC was used mostly in flat roofing, but also in floors and walls of many public buildings, including schools. It offered a cheaper alternative to standard concrete.
But its short lifespan means its use in permanent buildings has caused problems and the Government has closed down parts of some schools in England because of evidence about unsafe concrete.
In a statement, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader Councillor Jane Ashworth said: “We have not been notified by the Department for Education of any local authority maintained school in Stoke-on-Trent being affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
“We have also not been made aware of any issues with academy school buildings in the city.
“Alongside the Department for Education and the Stoke private finance initiative (PFI) provider, we have carried out investigations followed by building surveys where necessary.
“No Council or PFI provider surveys have indicated the presence of RAAC, but for additional comfort, the council and PFI provider have initiated a number of additional surveys to verify these initial findings.”
Cllr. Ashworth said the situation in the city was testament to improvement work carried out under the Building Schools for the Future initiative in the early 2000s, a scheme which was later scrapped by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government when it came to power in 2010.
A city council spokesman added that there was no current data on the use of RAAC in other public buildings but that is was “currently being looked into”.
On Thursday, a North Staffordshire school – Sir Thomas Boughey Academy in Halmerend, Newcastle-under-Lyme, was named by the Department of Education among the 147 schools with confirmed RAAC.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “I know this is the last way parents, teachers and children affected by this wanted to begin the new term, but it will always be my priority to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.”
