Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in schools

Norfolk County Council is closely monitoring the local and national position in relation to RAAC in schools.

Councillor Penny Carpenter made a statement at the beginning of Norfolk County Council's Cabinet meeting on 4 September. Read and watch the recording of the statement.

As of 6 September, one Norfolk school was closed to pupils due to concerns over the presence of RAAC. The school, Thomas Bullock Academy, delayed the start of term so that checks could take place in the school hall.

The council first became aware of possible issues with RAAC in 2018 and worked with all its maintained schools to assess if the material was present and if any action was needed. Further checks have been carried out following the government's updated guidance. All of Norfolk's maintained schools remain open to pupils.

The Department for Education is also carrying out its own checks to ensure it is satisfied that no further works are needed. The guidance is changing regularly, so the council will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Most Norfolk schools are academies, which are independent of the council and are responsible for their own buildings. However, the council wants to ensure the safety of all of Norfolk's children and has reminded academies to complete the DfE survey on RAAC. It has also offered practical help, where academies might need it.

The situation is changing regularly and, should any further closures be required, they will be published on the school closures section of the website.

Schools and academies will be in touch with parents if any issues are identified in their child's school.