Southend Special School allowed to re-open after RAAC concerns
Kingsdown school now has measures in place so children can be taught safely, say Southend-on-Sea Council
Kingsdown School in Southend-on-Sea, which had been closed due to safety concerns related to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), is set to welcome students back on Monday, September 11th.
The closure was mandated by the Department for Education just days before the start of the new academic term.
The closure of the main building had not only disrupted the students' education but also posed challenges for retrieving essential equipment needed for lessons. However, after risk assessments by structural engineers and the implementation of various mitigations, the school is now deemed safe for students and staff. These measures include:
Utilization of two unoccupied classrooms at neighboring Eastwood Primary School.
Provision of portable toilets for staff.
Installation of a portacabin to serve as a temporary staff room.
Reopening of ten classrooms on-site unaffected by RAAC.
Relocation of the administration block to a corridor.
The costs associated with these mitigations are being covered by the Department for Education (DfE).
Louise Robinson, the headteacher of Kingsdown School, expressed her relief and eagerness to welcome students back after the stressful and uncertain weeks leading up to this moment. She emphasized the school's commitment to the well-being of its students and their families, especially considering the complex needs of the children.
Collaboration between the DfE, Southend-on-Sea City Council, parents, and partner organizations has been instrumental in ensuring a swift and safe return to the classroom for Kingsdown School's students.
While the current mitigations provide a short-term solution, discussions are ongoing between the school, the council, and the DfE to address the long-term safety concerns associated with RAAC. The nature of these long-term solutions remains uncertain at this time.
Cllr Helen Boyd, cabinet member for children's service, education, and learning, praised the dedication of the school staff and the broader community in supporting affected families during this challenging period. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the DfE to establish a comprehensive long-term plan for addressing RAAC-related safety concerns.