Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

RAAC: St Leonard’s, Durham

21 November 2023 · 1 other contributor · 3,596 words

Opened by Mary Foy Lab City of Durham

Responding minister: Damian Hinds

EducationHousingMental Health

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Mary Foy raised concerns about raac: st leonard’s, durham in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about RAAC impacting St Leonard's Catholic School, causing it to close and disrupt over 1500 pupils' education during critical exam periods.
  • Parents report increased mental health issues among children and financial stress from private tuition and childcare costs due to school closures.
  • MP urges the Minister to speed up reimbursement for critical services and offer dispensation for students in years 11 and 13 affected by RAAC-related closures.

Key requests to Government

I urge the Minister to speed up reimbursement for critical services provided by the school trust, offer a dispensation for pupils in years 11 and 13 affected by RAAC-related closures, amend the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 or provide a one-off exemption for these students. Additionally, I ask for assurances regarding the timeline for rebuilding St Leonard's and support for children on free school meals.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Mary Foy Lab City of Durham

I am concerned about the impact of RAAC on St Leonard's Catholic School in my constituency. The school was ordered to close just days before the autumn term began, and parts remain shut after 11 weeks due to safety concerns. This has disrupted over 1,500 pupils' education at a crucial time for GCSEs and A-levels. Parents report mental health issues among children, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as financial stress from private tuition and childcare costs.

Other contributors (1)
  • Kevan Jones Lab Durham North

    Mr Jones highlighted that pupils from St Benet's in Ouston, a feeder school for St Leonard's, are concerned about the potential impact of not being rebuilt on their budget and pupil numbers. He stressed the need for early decisions regarding the rebuilding of St Benet's and compensation for the upcoming year. St Benet's pupils are already leaving and next year's roll is going to go down, so St Leonard's will have difficulty recruiting students. The speaker asks whether compensation will be given to the trust and individual schools due to reduced rolls through no fault of their own.

Government Response

Damian Hinds

It is a great pleasure to see you in the Chair, Mr Vickers, I think for the first time as I respond to a debate on RAAC. The Government are committed to ensuring every child gets a first-class education and every opportunity to make the best of their abilities. We understand concerns about reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) and are taking decisive action to address it while minimising disruption to education. Since 2018, we have been talking to schools about RAAC risks, issuing guidance and conducting technical surveys. As of October 16, responsible bodies had submitted responses for 99.9% of schools and colleges with blocks built in the target era, with DFE resolving the remaining 17 cases. We support education settings with mitigation plans, including alternative classroom space on or off site until structural works are completed. The Government fund emergency work needed to mitigate RAAC presence, including installing temporary classrooms where necessary. Schools will be offered capital grants for refurbishment or rebuilding projects through our school rebuilding programme. At St Leonard's Catholic School in the hon. Lady's constituency, a significant proportion of buildings has been taken out of use due to RAAC prevalence. We are working closely with the school to implement mitigation plans and ensure face-to-face education continues for all pupils. Temporary classrooms are being installed on the school's playing fields while we explore options for specialist facilities delivery as soon as possible. Qualification-awarding organisations have discretion to grant extensions to deadlines for non-examination assessment or coursework based on a school's specific circumstances, prioritising pupils in examination years. The Government support St Leonard's specifically on funding temporary classrooms and using specialist facilities at other providers locally. We will continue working with the school on further support needed. I am grateful for all the extensive time that the hon. Member has given to this matter.

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