An infant school in Surrey has remained closed for seven consecutive days after the discovery of dangerous RAAC
Pewley Down Infant School in Semaphore Road, Guildford, was forced to close on October 31 after RAAC was found in six classrooms.
“I recognise that this news will be unexpected and a shock, and I apologise for the late notice; please be reassured we are doing everything we can in the circumstances,” said headteacher Clare Brunet in a letter to parents ahead of the closure.
Dangerous RAAC was found in the school’s two-storey section, the hall’s floor, and the year-two classrooms.
RAAC has been found in buildings across the county
Pewley Down is the latest seven schools to shut down due to RAAC in Surrey alone. The Harlequin Theatre and Cinema in Redhill, Reigate Police Station, and Frimley Park Hospital have also been forced to close.
Reception and year two pupils were transferred to Holy Trinity Junior School on Wednesday, November 1. Year one pupils are taught at the Trinity Centre near Holy Trinity Church. All breakfast clubs and after-school clubs have been cancelled.
The school is working towards a solution
The school has contacted the Department for Education to find a long-term solution. A structural survey and repair work must occur before the school can be reopened.
“In line with advice from the Department for Education, Pewley Down Infant School was closed on Tuesday, October 31. Following a detailed survey, the school was advised that RAAC is in the building in an area affecting all six classrooms. So we took necessary immediate action,” said a Pewley Down Infant School spokesperson.
“As always, our top priority is the safety of our children, staff, and the wider community. The school notified all parents, carers and staff of the closure and has communicated daily to update them on a situation that has rapidly unfolded,” they concluded.
