SEVERAL schools in Thurrock may not be returning as planned after the summer holidays as buildings have been identified with the recently discovered problems associated with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Known as RAAC is the form of concrete used to construct schools, colleges, and other buildings between the Fifties and mid-Seventies in the UK, but has since been found to be at risk of collapse.

In total, the government said 156 schools were found to contain RAAC, of which 104 require urgent action while 52 have already received repair works.

Yesterday (Thursday, 31 August) the government changed its advice to schools, with a statement from the Department for Education (DfE) saying: "All schools and building areas where RAAC is present, no matter the condition of the RAAC, must be closed with immediate effect subject to further mitigations being added. This approach is in the interest to keep everyone safe."

Four schools are affected in Thurrock.

Already it has been announced that several year groups at Arthur Bugler primary in Stanford-le-Hope may not be able to return.

A statement to parents says: "Commencing from August 31, 2023, our KS2 building (years 4, 5 & 6) will be closed in adherence to these new DfE guidelines. While this decision may appear puzzling, please rest assured that it is a proactive step we are taking to align with the DfE's guidance and ensure the protection of your children, our dedicated staff, and all members of our school community.

"Our goal is to create an environment that is completely secure for your child's return, just as it should be.

"We understand that these changes might need adjustments to your child's learning routine. In response to this challenge, we are carefully preparing and exploring alternative spaces for learning to accommodate the classes that will be impacted by the closures.

"Please be aware and prepared that the start of the new school term could be delayed until Monday, 11 September for pupils in years 4, 5 and 6 while we secure alternative accommodation options.

"This is a rapidly changing situation and we will provide a further update to all parents on Monday, 4 September."

St Clere's Secondary in Stanford is also affected and, in a message to parents, head Jon Purkiss says: "The DfE changed their guidance following the failure of areas that have RAAC present, without warning, in some buildings.

"Based on this guidance from the DfE we are closing parts of our school.

"Our initial aim is to ensure as many pupils and students as practically possible are engaged with face-to-face learning as quickly as possible, whilst ensuring we adhere to the new guidance from the DfE however, the scale of the room closures at our school are significant. We are currently adapting parts of the school to maximise the teaching space we have available.

"Despite these changes, remote learning will need to be partially implemented as we do not have enough teaching spaces to host all pupils and students.

"We will endeavour to prioritise transition cohorts and exam cohorts for face-to-face learning i.e. year 7, 11 and 12.

"I understand this is not the news you wanted to hear days before our return. Safety of our pupils, students and staff must be the priority.

"We are currently adapting contingency plans and I will write to you again on Monday to confirm the arrangements for the start of the new academic year.

Also affected at East Tilbury Primary School and Thameside Primary on Manor Road in Grays. They are also expected to contact parents and careers directly with updates.

A statement from Thurrock Council says: "The council is working with the Department for Education to support academy trusts in the borough following the announcement on new guidance on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in schools.

"The Department announced a policy shift yesterday, meaning that urgent action needs to be taken for any schools with known RAAC.

"Thurrock Council had already contacted all schools in July 2023 to establish whether any had identified RAAC in any part of their school building. In addition, schools have responded to a questionnaire sent by the DfE.

"Based on the responses provided by the schools governing body, the DfE commissioned specialist surveying companies to visit a number of schools to verify whether RAAC is present.

"Parents at four schools identified have been informed today about the issues affecting each school. Schools are working hard to mitigate any issues so that children can attend school next week.

Cllr Adam Carter, cabinet member for education, said, "We are working with the Regional Schools' Office and academy schools and will support them to minimise any disruption."