The government has been slammed for being 'utterly shambolic' as schools across the North East have announced closures.

A total of nine sites have been identified as having RAAC on their premises in the region.

Politicians and headteachers have been reacting to the situation describing it as 'unacceptable' and displaying complete 'ineptitude'.

North East MPs have hit back at the government for leaving parents in uncertainty after an initial announcement.

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Grahame Morris, Labour MP for Easington, addressed the closure of St Bede's Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form.

He said: " The timing couldn't be worse, with this debacle unfolding just days before the start of the term. It's a stark reminder of the chaos and mismanagement plaguing this government. 

"Our children, parents and teachers are being let down by a level of ineptitude at the top of government that would not be acceptable in any other walk of life." 

Brendan Tapping, CEO of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, spoke about the closures of those schools and St John Bosco Catholic Primary School in Sunderland.

He said: "The education and safety of our pupils remains paramount, and we are currently working with headteachers to finalise alternative arrangements and are looking to make provision for all pupils.

“We are committed to continuing to educate pupils face-to-face or make virtual provision where this is not possible. We would like to thank our pupils, parents and staff for their understanding and patience.”

Mary Foy, Labour MP for Durham, had her say after St Leonards Catholic School announced it was affected.

She said: "That the school has only been informed days before term was due to begin beggars' belief, leaving the school without time to arrange alternative sites to ensure learning is not disrupted, and leaving parents with little time to arrange work, or childcare commitments.

"This situation is utterly shambolic, schools should be safe havens for children and ministers must be held accountable."

Headteacher Chris Hammill sent out a message to parents reassuring them that they may be able to use some limited buildings.

He said: "This is a very difficult time for all of us; first and foremost, our pupils. We are so disappointed at the timing of this decision in terms of being able to put solutions in place.

"I know families will share this frustration and I urge us all to consider writing to our local MPs at this time."

Other schools affected in the region include Ferryhill School in Ferryhill, Scalby School in Scarborough, Carmel College in Darlington, St Teresa's in Darlington.

Addressing the closures in Darlington, MP Peter Gibson said: "I am deeply disappointed to learn that some schools in Darlington will be unable to start their new term as planned due to the announced safety concerns caused by RAAC.

"I will be working closely with the affected schools to see what can be done to ensure that they can re-opened to full capacity as soon as possible."

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Carmel College, Darlington latest affected after RAAC

St Teresa's Primary Darlington to close after RAAC found

Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, highlighted the many challenges schools in the region are facing.

He said: "If the government is serious about ‘levelling-up’, then it is vital that the basic needs of schools, such as the condition of buildings and estates, is met.

"Schools urgently need a strategic plan that supports the many challenges that North East schools are facing, including the condition of school buildings, with sustained funding and clear communication with the education profession."

Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, said: "Nothing is more important than making sure children and staff are safe in schools and colleges, which is why we are acting on new evidence about RAAC now, ahead of the start of term.  

"We must take a cautious approach because that is the right thing to do for both pupils and staff.  

"The plan we have set out will minimise the impact on pupil learning and provide schools with the right funding and support they need to put mitigations in place to deal with RAAC."