Commenting on the guidance issued by the DfE on RAAC, Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary said:

“Although we welcome that the DfE has finally taken action to safeguard pupils and teachers, it would appear that mere luck rather than judgment has prevented a major disaster from occurring.

“Nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of children and young people and those who work in our schools. However, today’s announcement highlights the impact of more than a decade of wilful under-investment in school building refurbishment and the renewal of our school estate.

“Whilst we believe that today’s decision is the right one in the circumstances, it will raise questions about the safety of other schools, the time it will take to complete detailed surveys of all schools at risk of RAAC, and whether the Government could and should have done more to prevent this situation arising in the first place.

“Pupils returning to schools next week should be brimming with optimism not uncertainty about their futures. Children and young people should not be facing the prospect of having their education disrupted as a result of lack of investment and foresight from the Government.

“It is a disgrace that, despite Ministers’ promises to the contrary, there are any schools in such poor condition and state of repair and in danger of collapse.”