GovWire

This management information is a snapshot of data and is subject to frequent changes as the results of surveys and mitigations are confirmed.

This management information report provides data on:

• the number of education settings confirmed to contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC)
• the number of these settings with mitigations in place
• the number of these settings where mitigations are being put in place

Figures are as at 30 August 2023 and refer to state-funded schools, school nurseries and further education (FE) colleges in England.

The Department for Education contacted the bodies responsible for all state-funded schools, school nurseries and FE colleges in England in 2022 to ask whether they had any confirmed or suspected cases of RAAC in their buildings (or to confirm there was no suspicion of RAAC) via a questionnaire. When a positive response was received on the presence of RAAC (either from the questionnaire or from DfE casework), this was confirmed by DfE-commissioned engineers. This is the number of settings with confirmed RAAC.

The number of settings with mitigations in place refers to cases where engineers confirmed that the risks resulting from RAAC were mitigated. Mitigations could include taking the space out of use, or installing structural propping so the space can continue to be used. Mitigations depend on a number of factors including type of building, building use and the extent of RAAC in the space. The number of settings where mitigations are being put in place refers to settings who have been contacted by the DfE to take spaces known to contain RAAC out of use if they have not already done so.

This management information is a snapshot of data and is subject to frequent changes as the results of surveys and mitigations are confirmed.

RAAC is a lightweight form of concrete which was used in schools, colleges and other building construction from the 1950s until the mid-1990s. We have been talking to settings in more detail about the potential risks of RAAC since 2018 when DfE published a warning note with the Local Government Association.

Further information can be found in the Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete: identification guidance and the Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete: guidance for responsible bodies and education settings with confirmed RAAC.