The headlines this week have been dominated by concerns about schools built using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) after the government suddenly stepped up its response, advising affected schools to evacuate buildings containing the potentially hazardous material.

Since then the Department for Education has published the full list of nearly 150 schools confirmed to have RAAC.

However, there are fears that “hundreds more schools” could be affected, and the number of schools with suspected RAAC that haven’t been surveyed remains unknown. 

Join Tes reporters Matilda Martin and Jasmine Norden in this podcast as they dive into the story, looking at the history of RAAC and school leaders’ concerns that other safety risks in school buildings could now not get the necessary funding.

Tes’ coverage of the RAAC crisis this week

• Unions demand Keegan answers urgent RAAC questions

•  DfE gives schools four-day deadline to return RAAC survey

• The 147 schools named by DfE as having RAAC

• The nine RAAC schools denied rebuilding cash last year
   
• DfE ‘wrongly accusing’ schools of failing to return RAAC survey
   

Here’s what else schools need to know this week

• Most schools giving uniforms and clothing to pupils in need

• MPs back Oliver to be next Ofsted chief inspector

• Heads call for consultation on single-word Ofsted judgements

• McKinnell named as shadow schools minister