After British authorities ordered the closure of 104 schools because of poor and dilapidated buildings, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said hundreds more across the country were unsafe and could collapse.
He went on to add that the government is still waiting to hear back from around 1,500 schools across England whose buildings have been investigated for using lightweight reinforced concrete. A material that was usually used in construction in the 60s to 80s, but now it has been recognized as weak and unsafe.
Keegan stated that schools that are suspected of having this substance in their buildings should be fully investigated within the next two weeks to determine their responsibility.
In response to a question about whether the building of hundreds of other schools may be unsafe, he emphasized that yes, it may be so.
The revelation of dilapidated school buildings in England comes just days before a new round of protests by parents and teachers begins, signaling new trouble for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ahead of next year’s election.
Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak stated that 95% of almost 22,000 schools in England do not face such a problem. In many cases, this issue may only concern one class.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Slater, the former permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, stated that if the annual investment plan for the reconstruction of schools is not implemented, many people’s lives will be in serious danger. I am really surprised at the delay in deciding this matter.
Three days ago, the British Ministry of Education announced the closure of more than 100 new educational institutions in this country on the eve of the new academic year due to insecurity and the risk of building collapse.
Based on this, the Ministry of Education of England has temporarily closed more than 100 English educational institutions. Since the concrete used in the building of these schools is considered unsafe, some classrooms will have to be moved for the new academic year.
Based on this, most schools hold face-to-face classes at their locations in rooms where this concrete is not used. However, a “minority” must move in whole or in part to alternative accommodation.
According to the 2018 statistics, after officials identified the potential risk of falling over time, the ministry warned schools that they needed to take action to reduce the risk. Actions had been taken in many schools, but 104 institutions had not taken any action.
During the rise of these debates in England, the government pledged financial support to schools to do the most urgent work to improve these conditions. However, trade unions and opposition parties have criticized the government’s handling of the issue. They accused the government of acting too late. The BBC reports that there are over 20,000 schools, colleges and nursery centers in England.
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