Three schools to expand in Wolverhampton

Three schools in Wolverhampton will expand to create an extra 54 places for pupils with special needs.

Plans will see Penn Hall School, Tettenhall Wood School and Warstones Primary accept extra children as part of a scheme by Wolverhampton Council.

Over 50 extra places will be created collectively at the three schools to reduce the number of youngsters with special needs needing to travel miles out the area for costly school placements.

The news comes after the authority revealed it spent £3.28 million last year sending youngsters out of the area for education.

Councillor Lynne Moran, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “We want to ensure our children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities are able to access high quality provision closer to home.

"These proposals will help schools in Wolverhampton meet rising demand for this specialist provision.”

The proposals are expected to cost about £550,000, which will be covered by Government funding.