so far, a full list of the schools affected has not been made public. worth taking a moment to find out a bit more about the concrete at the centre of all this. raac, to give its full name, is reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. it s a lightweight concrete that was used in roofs, floors, and walls between the 19505 and 1990s. it s a cheaper alternative to standard concrete because it s aerated, or bubbly . however, it s less durable with a limited life span of around 30 years, and its structural behaviour differs significa ntly from traditional reinforced concrete. the health and safety authority says raac is now beyond its life span and may collapse with little or no notice . let s get more now from our correspondent helena wilkinson, who s at a school in south london. just take us through what had teachers or having to suddenly deal with now. it teachers or having to suddenly deal with now. . , ., ., , with now. it was around this time yesterday. with now. it was
good evening and welcome to the bbc news at six. more than 50 schools in england have buildings that are at risk of sudden collapse because of dangerous concrete, says the government, and more schools may be forced to close. at least 156 schools are affected so far, but the full list isn t being made public. it comes just days before the start of term and has thrown schools and parents plans into chaos. the problem is this, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, otherwise known as raac. it s lightweight, bubbly concrete that was used widely in buildings between the 19505 and 90s. it s usually found in roofs and walls. it s weaker and cheaper than traditional concrete. our education editor branwen jeffreys reports. these gates will be closed next week. it is shocking and disappointing that s what this small essex primary has written to parents. next week, children will start the school year online. hayley s had to get last minute childcare for her son. the build up to
we hear of reports spanning 60 years questioning the integrity of the concrete material causing school closures. were opportunities to solve the problem missed? good evening. it s a frightening prospect. according to the government, more than 50 schools in england have buildings that are risk of sudden collapse, and others may be forced to close. at least 156 schools are affected so far, but the full list isn t being made public. all this just days before the start of term. the problem is this reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, otherwise known as raac. it s lightweight, has a bubbly consistency, and was used widely in buildings between the 19505 and 905. it s usually found in roofs and walls and it s cheaper, but weaker than traditional concrete. 0ur education editor, branwenjeffreys, has our top story. these gates will be closed next week. it is shocking and disappointing that s what this small essex primary has written to parents. next week, children will start
hit their highest average surface temperature on record, as they soak up warmth from climate change and scientists are warning this will have serious consequences for the health of the planet. the average temperature this week was nearly 21 celsius, far above what s typical for this time of year. the global average is around half a degree celsius lower which might not sound much, but experts say they are worried. the oceans are vital to help regulate our climate and drive weather patterns, and are home to a vast range of species. here s our climate editorjustin rowlatt. marine scientists send down an array of instruments to assess the impact of warming sea water off the coast of plymouth. have we got a reading for today yet, do you know? i heard them say something around 18 19, which is 4 degrees higher than it should be. one of the most dramatic heat waves ever recorded in uk seas hasjust subsided, part of a global trend of warming waters. the ocean temperature, or the o