On Sat 9 September, Kader Academy confirmed it had identified crumbling Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in multiple of its school buildings. Kader Academy, a Primary School in Acklam, is the first school in Middlesbrough to confirm the presence of RAAC.
Crumbling RAAC poses a threat to the structural integrity of buildings. In line with government guidance, Kader Academy has closed with immediate effect to all pupils as a precautionary measure, whilst necessary mitigation is put in place to ensure the safety of all children and staff.
Lack of clarity from the government
Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Education & Culture Cllr Philippa Storey said:
“I remain utterly dismayed at the government’s lack of clarity and advice to schools with confirmed cases of RAAC. The result of this is last minute school closures leaving parents in limbo having to find last minute childcare, often at great cost, or take time off work which will add to family’s financial worries. It is families in Middlesbrough who are paying the price for this Conservative-made disaster unfolding during the Conservative-made cost of living crisis.”
The Deputy Mayor continued:
“Schools, students and parents urgently need the government to do what’s morally right and responsible – that is to pay for school building repairs without delay to ensure children can return to school safely.
“It is scandalous government continues to allow private schools to get off tax-free while state schools literally crumble because the government refuses to fund their proper maintenance.”
Finally, the Deputy Mayor reassured “The Mayor and I will be working closely with the hardworking officers at Middlesbrough Council to ensure we are doing all we can as a local authority to support Kader Academy, parents and children through this extremely challenging time.”
