Schools safety questions remain as RAAC concerns continue in Essex

Priti Patel has said she is continuing to meet with schools across her constituency regarding reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), as the issue approaches its third year.

RAAC, a lightweight construction material used in buildings from the mid-20th century, has been identified as a potential structural risk in some school buildings across England.

What’s happening locally

While Essex has seen disruption linked to RAAC in some schools, there is no single, up-to-date public list clearly confirming which schools within the Witham constituency are currently affected.

In a recent statement, Patel said she is working directly with schools to:

Support them through ongoing disruption
Ensure concerns from staff and families are heard
Press for a “clear and deliverable plan” for rebuilding

However, no individual schools were named in the update.

A national issue with local impact

The Department for Education has previously confirmed that more than 100 schools across England required action due to RAAC concerns, with measures including:

Temporary classroom relocation
Structural supports
Partial closures

Timelines for permanent rebuilding vary depending on each site.

Ongoing uncertainty

For parents and residents locally, questions remain around:

Which schools nearby are affected
What long-term solutions are planned
How long disruption to education may continue

Further updates are expected as assessments and funding decisions progress.

🍓 Strawberry Reporter says:
This is one of those stories where the headline sounds reassuring, but the detail people actually want is simple: which schools, and what’s happening to them?

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