School to be rebuilt years after finding RAAC

Work to rebuild and expand a special needs school is under way, nearly three years after faulty concrete was discovered in the building.

Selworthy School in Taunton, Somerset, provides education for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The Oak Partnership Trust, which runs the school, discovered in August 2022 that the school's Oakhill campus contained "a significant amount" of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) – a material which is deemed unsafe.

Lewis Andrews, the council's SEND sufficiency manager, said the rebuild would ease pressure on the council's budget in light of rising numbers of children needing more intensive support.

In addition to repairing the existing classrooms, the project will also create an additional 24 places.

Mr Andrews said: "Although the council is responsible for ensuring there is sufficient provision for SEND provision, it has not had the regulatory power to open new schools.

"This increase in demand and lack of available places has had a negative effect on the council's preferred 'local first' approach to school placements, leading to long commutes for children, some of whom travel past special schools where their needs could have been met if spare places were available."

Somerset Council is contributing £1.7 million towards the cost of the project.

The new school is expected to open to pupils in September 2026.

RAAC is a lightweight material which was used mostly in flat roofing, but also in floors and walls, between the 1950s and 1990s.

It is a cheaper alternative to standard concrete and is quicker to produce and easier to install.

Concerns over RAAC have forced the full or partial closure of more than 100 schools in England so far.

Experts say a wide range of public buildings were constructed using the material and could now be at risk of collapse.