Heather recently visited St Edward’s Catholic Academy to visit the school and meet with the Headteacher, Kay Methven, to discuss recent concerns over the safety of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
Heather was shown around the school and was given the opportunity to see the affected areas. Due to concerns over RAAC in September, years 3 to 6 were moved to another school, the Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy, after empty classrooms there were transformed in the space of just four days. Following this, Heather had the opportunity to meet with staff and the headteacher to discuss this and other issues.
Heather Wheeler says: “St Edwards is the only school in South Derbyshire to have been affected by RAAC and while, unfortunately, this issue has not yet been fully resolved, I am determined to ensure all pupils return to their normal classroom routine as early as possible.
“I must commend Mrs Methven and all her staff at St Edward’s, as well as those at The Blessed Robert Sutton and The St Ralph Sherwin Trust, for their tireless work in creating a temporary workspace for the affected children. It is a true testament to their community spirit and by working as together as a team they have been able to keep disruption to the children’s education at a minimum.
“I am glad that propping of the building has been approved as a short-term solution and all classes are due to return St Edwards by February half-term. We will continue to work to ensure a long-term solution is secured as soon as possible.”
Mrs Methven, Headteacher, says: "We would like to thank Heather for coming to visit St Edward's and we welcome and appreciate her help in ensuring a permanent solution to our building is agreed soon."
