Warning as school closes due to unstable concrete

Pewley Down Infant School in Semaphore Road, Guildford, was forced to close with only one day of notice

An infant school which shut due to unstable concrete has warned parents it would “take time” to reopen a week after closing its doors.

Pewley Down Infant School in Guildford shut after Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was found in the two-storey section of the school, holding up the hall floor, and year two classrooms.

Head teacher Clare Brunet said in a letter to parents: “Despite the frustration of having to close Pewley Down, we would rather be cautious.”

There are now seven schools in Surrey with potentially crumbling concrete.

In a letter to parents, Ms Brunet said they were seeking “urgent clarification about what needs to happen to ensure the buildings are made safe”.

According to the the Local Democracy Reporting Service, some of the pupils were being taught at nearby sites.

A full structural survey has been commissioned and work would need to be carried out to make the school safe, the school told parents.

'Necessary decision'

A letter read: “Clearly this will take time and so, for the time being, it was confirmed that Pewley will remain closed.”

“We recognise that, while the closure of Pewley Down was a necessary decision, it is not an easy one for our parents, carers and staff to navigate," they added.

The school said it was working with the Department for Education to find a longer-term solution.

RAAC has also been found in high-profile venues such as the Harlequin Theatre and Cinema in Redhill, Reigate Police Station, and Frimley Park Hospital.