Children have returned to a school in Stockton that is still waiting for RAAC test results despite passing two surveys in the last 12 months.
More than 100 schools across England have been affected after the Department of Education (DoE) released new guidance that Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) could be unsafe.
William Cassidi Church of England Primary School is one of the schools which has been highlighted as needing investigation.
In the last 12 months the school has passed two tests and following DoE guidelines they have re-opened despite not having results from the most recent survey.
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On Monday (September 5) the school posted on Facebook: “Good morning,
“We are all very excited to welcome all the children back to a new school year at William Cassidi!
“Please be aware, the school has had two surveys completed in the last 12 months with no RAAC yet identified. All classrooms are clear and are open as usual.”
Children have been back in the school despite the fact that the Dioceses of Durham confirmed in a statement yesterday that they are still awaiting the results of the most recent investigation.
A spokesperson for the Dioceses of Durham said: “William Cassidi Church of England Primary was identified as a school which required further investigation into whether Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was present.
“An investigation has been carried out by the Department for Education and the Diocese is awaiting the results of this from the DfE. We are following DfE guidelines and parents will be contacted once the report is released by the DfE.”
Alex Cunningham, MP for the area, said: "I have today spoken with the head teacher who insisted the school was in the clear having had two surveys so I am surprised to hear it’s still on the “watch list”.
"That said it is right that the school follows DfE guidelines and remains open to ensure the most minimal of disruption to young people’s education.
"I implore the DfE to carry out any further survey work as promptly as it can to provide the assurances school leaders and parents need."
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One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, had no idea that any extra testing had taken place and was surprised that they had not been informed.
They said: “The school said all tests have been clear.
“We haven’t heard anything about another test.”
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