The UK Department for Education has temporarily closed more than 100 English educational institutions. Because the concrete used is considered unsafe, many classes have to be moved for the new school year.

A few days before the start of the new school year in Great Britain, dozens of schools, colleges and nurseries in England must close classrooms and buildings due to the risk of collapse. The British Ministry of Education said that educational institutions with buildings containing certain types of cellular concrete are affected.

Most schools would provide in-person teaching on their premises, in classrooms where the affected concrete is not present. However, a “minority” would have to move in whole or in part to alternative accommodation.

More than 100 schools have not taken any action

From the 1950s to the 1990s, RAAC (reinforced cellular concrete) material was widely used in the construction of schools and colleges, according to the BBC, mainly in the form of panels on flat roofs, but occasionally on pitched roofs, floors and walls. .

After authorities identified the potential risk of collapse over time, the ministry alerted schools in 2018 that measures were needed to reduce the risk. Work has been carried out in many schools, but 104 centers have not taken any action.

“Some cases caused concern”

“Nothing is more important than the safety of children and staff in schools and colleges,” said Education Minister Gillian Keegan. “That’s why we are taking action before the start of the new semester based on the new findings.” The government is taking a “cautious approach” and over the summer “several cases have raised concerns”.

The government promised schools financial support to carry out the most urgent work. However, there was criticism of the way the government handled the issue, including from unions and opposition parties. They accused her of acting too late. There are more than 20,000 schools, colleges and nurseries in England, the BBC reports.