Schools: Construction

Department for Education written question – answered am ar 27 Chwefror 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Bridget Phillipson Bridget Phillipson Shadow Secretary of State for Education

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has had reason to revise her (a) assessment of the safety of High Aluminia Cement (HAC), (b) assessment of the safe operating life of HAC and (c) advice to schools where HAC was used as part of the construction method for any part of the building since 25 October 2022.

Photo of Bridget Phillipson Bridget Phillipson Shadow Secretary of State for Education

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has made an estimate of the number of (a) elements of school estates currently in use and (b) open schools containing at least one such element which were constructed using High Aluminia Cement in (i) each local authority area and (ii) England.

Photo of Bridget Phillipson Bridget Phillipson Shadow Secretary of State for Education

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether guidance is available to schools on the management of (a) buildings and (b) building elements made from high alumina cement.

Photo of Damian Hinds Damian Hinds Minister of State (Education)

It is the responsibility of those running schools - academy trusts, local authorities, and voluntary-aided school bodies - to collect and record information about their buildings, as well as to ensure that they are safe, well-maintained and comply with relevant regulations. The department supports schools and colleges on how this should be done in the Good Estate Management for Schools guidance, which is available on GOV.UK.

Departmental officials have regular discussions with relevant professional bodies and leading material specialists to ensure they are aware of any emerging evidence regarding the safety of construction materials used in the education estate. The department does not hold a central register of construction types used in the education estate.

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