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Hundreds of extra primary school places to be created in Dudley

Three schools could be expanded to admit almost 400 extra pupils as a governing education authority struggles against a growing demand for spaces.

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Dudley Council has already created an additional 145 reception class spaces at nine of its schools ahead of the beginning of academic year in September.

But the council has now unveiled further proposals for 210 extra places at Sledmere Primary School in Dudley, 105 for Gig Mill Primary in Stourbridge and 70 for Kate's Hill Primary School for September 2015.

Council officers are also considering providing extra spaces at Hob Green Primary School in Stourbridge, Howley Grange Primary School in Halesowen and Netherton Primary School for next year.

The plans come as officers predict a surge in demand for primary school places over the next three years. According to forecasts, they are predicting the council will have to provide an additional 1,000 spaces.

The proposal for additional spaces at the three schools will be decided by Councillor Tim Crumpton, cabinet member for children's services and lifelong learning.

Today, Councillor Crumpton said: "We have got a few areas in the borough where birth rate has been increasing which means we now have to consider providing more spaces at local schools for children coming through.

"It's not a major problem, there are other areas in the country which are under more pressure.

"It is simply a logical solution to expand the entry classes in a number of schools to meet demand. My understanding is, while the birth rate is increasing, we will hit a peak in three years and it will begin to drop again.

"This is about being prepared to ensure children have a school close enough to their home they can attend."

Sledemere Primary School admitted 75 children in to its reception, this September it is expecting 90 children. Another expansion would be supported by a new classroom.

Headteacher Damian Ward said: "The governing body and I are happy to have 90 children coming in September, if the authority do decide expand we are excited by the prospect."

In a document setting out the plan, the council said: "Until recently primary numbers were falling year on year due to a decrease in the birth rate in the borough which has been ongoing since 1990.

"This trend is now reversing and we are starting to see the birth rate increasing year on year.

"If we do not act and increase the number of school places available there will not be sufficient places for each child, especially in some areas of the borough."

The council said it was deciding which schools to expand on factors such as their location, popularity and if there was space on school grounds for building expansion.

Under the plan school receptions will grow by up to 30 pupils, but staff numbers could be increased at impacted schools.

The council has said 'significant work would also be done to provide building extensions to accommodate the rise in pupils numbers.

If the proposal is turned down, council officers will turn their attention to other schools.

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