College closures not a return to ‘dark days of lockdowns’, says Gillian Keegan
E
ducation Secretary Gillian Keegan has advised dad and mom the closure of school rooms resulting from fears over crumbling light-weight concrete is “not a return to the dark days of school lockdowns”.
More than 100 colleges and schools have been advised by the Department for Education to totally or partially shut buildings because of the presence of strengthened autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), following the collapse of a beam final week.
Schools minister Nick Gibb admitted extra school rooms may very well be compelled to close as colleges put together to move again for the beginning of the brand new college yr.
Writing in The Sun on Sunday, the Education Secretary mentioned there was “no choice” apart from to make closures after a “handful of cases” the place Raac had failed.
She mentioned: “We all have to make difficult decisions in life and responsible government is about getting them right. That means looking at evidence and acting, even when the trade-offs are significant.
“That’s the position I faced when new evidence was presented to me indicating concrete which forms part of certain school buildings was no longer safe.
“I want to reassure families that this is not a return to the dark days of school lockdowns.”
She continued: “I understand the anxiety that this has caused parents, particularly those with children directly impacted, so soon after the disruption caused by the pandemic.
“But this is not pandemic school closures, and certainly not a return to extended home learning.”
A minority may have to maneuver some or all of their kids, with a brief interval of off-site studying or, as a final resort, distant studying
She mentioned residence studying has solely been required “for days, not weeks” within the minority of 52 colleges and schools which have required work.
She additionally moved to reassure dad and mom the “vast majority” of colleges will not be affected by points with Raac.
“A minority may need to move some or all of their children, with a short period of off-site learning or, as a last resort, remote learning,” she mentioned.
“We’re supporting each of those schools with a case worker, and funding to cover immediate measures like temporary classrooms, to keep face-to-face education going.
“There have been calls to name schools impacted – and we will. But only when parents have been informed and schools given time to respond.
“That’s the right thing to do because parents should hear from their school first, and schools in turn have time to focus – supported by teams working round the clock.”