Prof Goodier News Today

Exclusive: Removing Raac can cost millions of pounds in some buildings – and could be ‘straw that broke camel’s back’ for older schools, say specialists

Schools have been told to shutter buildings made of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) - a material widely used in the second half of the 20th century with a texture like an Aero chocolate bar.

Years of inaction over dilapidated sites finally takes its toll, as structures cave in 'without warning'

Many parents are still in the dark about whether their children will be able to return to classrooms at the beginning of the new term after the crisis dramatically escalated.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was used as a cheap post-war building material in public sector construction projects.

More than 100 schools and colleges in England have been told to close buildings made with a type of concrete that is prone to collapse - just days before term restarts next week.

Schools minister Nick Gibb (pictured) attempted to calm worries as he said: Parents can be assured that if they havent heard from schools, that it is safe to send their children into school.

Specialists say RAAC concrete was widely used in public buildings in the UK.