A school near the Suffolk-Essex border has been included on the latest government list of buildings affected by aerated concrete. 

Another 27 schools and colleges have been identified with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) on site says the Department for Education as it released an updated list.

This includes Steeple Bumpstead Primary School, near Haverhill but in Essex.

A spokesmab for Unity Schools Partnership, of which Steeple Bumpstead is a member, said: “We can confirm that RAAC was found in the school three years ago and all that was found was subsequently removed.

“Following heightened awareness about RAAC, a further intrusive survey took place earlier this month and two small areas of RAAC were found.

“Both areas are not being used by the school until remedial work, expected in the next few weeks, takes place. There has been no disruption to children’s education.”

Hadleigh High School, Farlingaye High School, Claydon High School and East Bergholt High School were already confirmed as Suffolk schools where RAAC was present. 

Thurston Community College was also included in a list released earlier this month. 

However, the school announced that remedial works were completed over the summer holidays. 

What is RAAC?

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

It has a lifespan of about 30 years and its structural behaviour differs significantly from traditional reinforced concrete. 

Moreover, it is susceptible to structural failure when exposed to moisture. The bubbles can allow water to enter the material.

If that happens, any rebar reinforcing RAAC can also decay, rust and weaken.