Bolton primary schools identified in the RAAC crisis

Today, two more Bolton schools were caught up in the crisis, with St Bernard's RC School in Ladybridge issuing letters to parents.

St William of York RC in Great Lever has also been identified on the list of more than 100 schools asked to take action due to the presence of a concrete prone to collapse.

The Bolton News reported yesterday that areas of Canon Slade School will be closed off because of the presence of he material but will be open for the start of term.

Concerns have arisen due to school buildings being made with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

• READ MORE: What is RAAC? The unsafe concrete found in English schools
• READ MORE: English schools at risk of concrete collapses - here's what we know so far
• RAAC: DfE - pandemic learning should last days, not weeks

It is a cheaper alternative to standard concrete but is also considered to be less durable.

The material was used in a number of buildings in the second half of the 20th century and it came to the attention of the authorities after an incident at a primary school in Gravesend, Kent, in 2018.

St Bernard's RC School

The letter, signed by headteacher Clare Doodson and chairman of governors Phil Ashcroft, states: "The governors and I appreciate this is a very worrying and difficult time for you and your children.

"It is bitterly disappointing for you all that we are having to delay the start of term.

"We wish to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to secure the full opening of school as soon as possible.

"A structural RAAC survey was conducted during the holidays due to the age of our school building, this was the directive from the DfE (Department of Education). The report was received on the 31st of August.

"A meeting took place on Friday 1st September with Salford Diocese and contractors to plan the safety measures recommended in the structural report.

"We will be allocated a case worker from the DfE, I am waiting for them to contact me and visit the school within the next two weeks.

"In the interim we are following all recommendations to put scaffolding/acrows in place in affected areas to support the RAAC beams in the ceilings. This will mean that there will be acrows (scaffolding poles in some classrooms and teaching areas in school). I have discussed at length with the Diocesan Building Surveyor and Contractor where these acrows will be placed to ensure safety measures but also to ensure classrooms can be fit for purpose for the children.

"There will be disruption until all the safety measures are in place and it has been agreed and signed off by the Diocese and the DfE. We do not anticipate a school closure but to open fully and run as normally as we can with a full curriculum.

"There will be some adjustments initially for all of us, but your child’s safety is paramount. The longer-term plans will be dependent on the DfE and from meetings with Salford Diocese, Bolton Council, and our governing board. I will keep you updated with those decisions as they are made and please be assured the children, their education, happiness, and safety will be at the forefront of all decisions."

The school has had to delay its opening until  Thursday, September 7 , if that is not possible the school will open in Monday, September 11.

Mrs Doodson told parents in a letter on Friday: "I know this is bitterly disappointing for you all but we will need to delay the start of term until the work is completed, checked and approved by the DfE (Department for Education). The work will involve propping the ceilings in some classrooms and general areas where the RAAC has been identified."

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: "Following Department for Education guidance a number of years ago, we surveyed all the community schools and voluntary-controlled schools of the relevant age which the council has responsibility for. 

"This process identified one school containing RAAC, and the relevant work has already been completed. Following updated Department for Education guidance on age ranges, we will be assessing a further four schools over the next few days. 

"In the unlikely event RAAC is found, we will follow Department for Education guidance to ensure the buildings are safe for pupils and staff.

"A small number of academy buildings and diocese buildings in the borough may also be impacted by today's announcement and we expect to be updated on the status of these schools shortly."