None of the school buildings in Dudley or Sandwell are understood to be affected by concerns around Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) officials have confirmed.

There are 24,000 schools in England and Dudley Council has today confirmed that the 104 schools in its area are expected to reopen as planned next week.

Parents are encouraged to look out for any communication from their school and to get in touch with them should they have any concerns. Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children’s services, said: 

“As a Child Friendly Borough, we know the vital role school plays in a child’s life and schools are are very much looking forward to starting a new academic year with our amazing youngsters.

“Some parents have been getting in touch with concerns about RAAC and I would like to reassure them that we do not believe any of the local authority or academy led schools to be affected by this issue.”

A similar situation was confirmed across the border in Sandwell, where it was confirmed no schools will be closed either. A spokesperson for Sandwell Council said:

““No schools in Sandwell will be closed as a result of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

“We believe this is not a commonly used material in school buildings in Sandwell however there is one block where RAAC has been identified at Wood Green Academy in Wednesbury.

“It is possible there may be a partial closure at Wood Green Academy and final surveys will confirm the amount of remedial work that will be needed.

“Staff at the academy will contact parents and carers early next week to confirm arrangements for students who are due to return to school on Wednesday 6 September.”