RAAC found outside Southampton school main building

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been found outside the main building of a school in the city.

The name of the school has not been confirmed but Southampton City Council said no pupils have been impacted and the school has opened as normal. 

In a statement, a council spokesperson said: "Following surveys that have taken place this week, the council can now confirm that there have been no cases of RAAC identified in the school buildings which will impact pupils and staff.

"One school has been confirmed to have RAAC outside of their main building which has been isolated and cordoned off, and there is no impact on the education of the pupils. The school has opened as normal.

"We are in contact with the schools and continue to work closely with schools for reassurance."

Mason Moor Primary School in Millbrook has remained closed this week due to RAAC inspections.

The school in Helvellyn Road did not reopen after the summer holidays, the Echo understands.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Daniel Constable-Phelps said the site, which was meant to reopen tomorrow, will remain closed until Monday next week.

This was due to a "building issue" which the council confirmed relates to RAAC.

It comes after MP Royston Smith told the Echo of two more schools potentially affected by this type of concrete, which are now awaiting surveys.

These are Moorlands Primary School in Kesteven Way and Springhill Catholic Primary School in Milton Road.

RAAC is much less durable than ordinary concrete and only has a lifespan of around 30 years.

It was often used between the 1950s and 1990s as it is cheaper than standard concrete and quicker to produce.

The government has come under pressure to urgently address the issue after more than 100 schools in England were told to close buildings made with RAAC unless they put safety measures in place.

The announcement was made just days before the start of the new term.