Forres Academy "high risk" faulty concrete closure update from Moray Council raises prospect of longer disruption
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DISRUPTION at Forres Academy, due to further "high risk" concrete, could continue until after the October holidays, a letter sent to parents has indicated.
Engineers found that areas of the school posed a "high risk rather than medium risk", after launching further investigations, it confirmed.
Sent to parents at 3.33pm today (Thursday, September 14), the letter builds on an update yesterday which said the school would stay closed to pupils today (Thursday, September 14) and tomorrow (Friday, September 15).
It raises the prospect of disruption continuing past the October holidays, as senior staff are developing "contingency plans" for "the remainder of term and then, if required, post October break."
An update tomorrow will detail plans until the October holidays, the letter said, which will include "a mixture of in school and remote learning".
Signed by head of education Vivienne Cross and head of housing and property services Edward Thomas Health, the letter said the "immediate priority was the health and safety of staff and pupils".
"We appreciate the uncertainty and that you may need to make additional arrangements so we will share more detailed interim plans (a mixture of in school and remote learning) with you tomorrow," the letter read.
It also confirmed that "we have assessed that it is safe for staff" to collect resources from classrooms so they can organise remote learning.
The affected concrete is RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete), which has been linked by a 2019 safety alert to the 2018 "sudden collapse" of a Kent school.
A document answering Frequently Asked Questions is currently being drawn up, the letter said, and Moray Council's actions "have been in the best interests of all at Forres Academy".
"We appreciate the uncertainty and that you may need to make additional arrangements so we will share more detailed interim plans (a mixture of in school and remote learning) with you tomorrow," the letter said.
"Many thanks for your patience as this situation is developing at pace and we act swiftly according to the most up-to-date advice and guidance.
"Mrs Sinclair and her staff are thanked for their ongoing planning and commitment to continue to deliver education during this period of disruption and she will be in touch with you tomorrow with plans for the final three weeks of term."
