Pupils have been saying prayers outdoors and eating lunch in their classrooms at the only Norfolk school affected by the crumbly concrete crisis. 

Thomas Bullock C of E Primary in Shipdham, near Dereham, was forced to close its main hall after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found in its roof at the start of September. 

Since then, the school meals, assemblies, worship and PE lessons normally held in the building have had to move elsewhere. 

Shannon O'Sullivan, executive headteacher, said: “The school has been aptly working around the hall closure by utilising the unseasonably warm weather, to hold daily collective worship outside with the whole school and will move to a smaller space inside the school for collective worship in the winter months.

"Hot lunches are being provided daily.  

"These take place in classrooms, outside and in a mini hall for key stage two [Years 3 to 6].  

Dereham Times: Shannon O'Sullivan, executive headteacher of Thomas Bullock Church of England Primary AcademyShannon O'Sullivan, executive headteacher of Thomas Bullock Church of England Primary Academy (Image: Kate Morfoot)

"It is rugby season in games, which is played rain or shine but indoor sports space is limited.  We understand that our CEO and trust are working exceptionally hard to ensure that timeline is narrowed for work completion."

The discovery of the Raac meant the school had to delay reopening for its autumn term by a day.

The building material can crumble and collapse after about 30 years.

Mrs O'Sullivan was unable to say when the work needed to make the hall safe would be finished. 

 The discovery of Raac in over 150 English schools caused panic in recent months. 

The material - a lightweight form of concrete with air bubbles - was used in building construction from the 1950s until the mid-1990s, but was only intended to last 30 years. 

Dereham Times: The hall at the Thomas Bullock Primary School in ShipdhamThe hall at the Thomas Bullock Primary School in Shipdham (Image: DNEAT)

Darren Williams, head of estates at Diocese of Norwich Education Services Company (DoNESC) said: "The team at Thomas Bullock C of E Primary Academy are working incredibly hard to ensure the discovery of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete does not affect the curriculum being delivered to our pupils. "Dereham Times: Since the discovery of RAAC planks in the school’s hall the space used for assembly, lunches and PE has remained closedSince the discovery of RAAC planks in the school’s hall the space used for assembly, lunches and PE has remained closed (Image: Ian Burt/Newsquest)