To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent (a) assessment she has made of and (b) steps she has taken to help ensure the safety of school buildings in Northumberland.
Answered on
27 February 2024
It is the responsibility of those running schools, such as academy trusts and local authorities, to ensure that their schools are safe and well-maintained. The department has allocated over £15 billion since 2015 for keeping schools safe and operational, including £1.8 billion committed this financial year. Funding is informed by consistent data on the school estate. In addition, the School Rebuilding Programme will transform poor condition buildings at over 500 schools across England.
When the department is made aware of a significant issue with a building that cannot be managed locally, the department will provide additional support on a case-by-case basis.