Responding to today's government update on schools affected by RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete), Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “It is pretty embarrassing for the government that we are now almost at the end of the autumn term and it is still adding schools to this list - and the secretary of state has today told the education committee that this figure will continue to rise. 

"We were promised urgency and immediate repairs, yet there are still schools waiting for mitigations to be put in place.

"This long overdue update shows the continuing disruption facing many pupils, parents and schools. It underlines the government’s failure to set out a timetable for how long this will continue, let alone the long-term plan and fresh investment desperately needed to ensure the school estate is safe and fit for purpose.

“The Autumn Statement last month was a chance for the government to pledge new funding to bring school buildings up to scratch. But instead, the Chancellor announced a real terms cut in capital spending over the next five years and far from being increased, the fear is that spending on rebuilding and refurbishment of schools will face further cuts.

“This is simply unacceptable. Our children deserve modern, well-maintained school buildings to help inspire them to thrive and flourish, and their safety, and that of all school staff, should be non-negotiable.”