Newcastle City Council confirms that all schools are due to open for the new academic year

Newcastle City Council has confirmed that all schools in the city are due to open as planned ahead of the new academic year.

It comes as more than 100 schools across the country are facing sudden full, or partial, closures over issues with a type of concrete used in the construction of school buildings.

The problem relates to Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), which is a lightweight material that was mostly used in flat roofing, but also in walls and floors, between the 1950s and that 1990s.

The material is a cheaper alternative to standard concrete as it is quicker to produce and easier to install; however, it is less durable and only has a life span of around 30 years.

As a result, issues have been raised over safety in schools where the material has been used, with the affected buildings being labelled as “potentially dangerous”.

St John Vianney Catholic Primary School, on Hillhead Road, has been affected by this issue at the end of the previous school year; however, repairs have been made and the local authority has confirmed that the building is now safe.

A spokesperson for the Council said: “Newcastle City Council would like to reassure parents and carers that all the city’s schools are due to open as planned ahead of the new academic year.

“Media reports on August 31 suggested more than 100 schools across the country may face sudden closure as a result of a type of concrete used in the construction of school buildings.

“At this stage, no schools in Newcastle have been identified as being unable to open as planned at the start of term.

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“One school in the city, St John Vianney, was affected by this issue towards the end of the previous academic year.

“It was forced to close temporarily while the Multi-Academy Trust responsible for the school and the Department for Education put suitable measures in place and it reopened to pupils before the school summer holidays.

“Please check your child’s school website for details of arrangements for returning to school.