Walsall primary schools in line for £5m expansion

Three primary schools in Walsall are poised to expand to cope with extra pupils, under £5 million plans.

The size of Christ Church, Fibbersley and King Charles will be increased from next September under the proposals.

It is expected extensions, remodelling and new buildings will be needed to help create 60 extra reception places combined across the sites.

It will see the number of pupils in each year group rise after the first intake in 2015 and extra teaching and support staff will be needed to cope.

Plans will be confirmed in the coming months but members of the decision-making Cabinet were tonight being recommended to allow the schools to enlarge.

Funding is due to come from the Government's basic need capital and will cost around £5.1m in total.

Christ Church in Harden Road, Leamore, will permanently increase from 45 to 60 pupils in the reception year.

It currently has places for 210 pupils and 26 part-time nursery spots.

Fibbersley Park in Noose Lane, Willenhall, will admit 90 youngsters instead of the current 60, under the proposals.

While King Charles Primary in Wilkes Avenue, Bentley will also increase from 45 to 60 in the first year group.

The increased admissions will move up through the schools annually, and will ease the demand for spaces.

Consultation has taken place and initial concerns were raised about the impact on Fibbersley Park by governors.

But a report to the council states there was no 'strong level of opposition' and the only written response submitted by school governors were in favour.

The report from council head of service Alan Mitchell to councillors said: "The provision of additional places at King Charles Primary School, Fibbersley Park Primary School and Christ Church will enable the council to meet its statutory duty to ensure that there are sufficient school places to meet the increasing demand and will create a greater opportunity for children.

"The proposed expansions will involve extensions, alterations, remodelling or new buildings on all three school sites."

He added: "Additional teaching and support staff will be recruited to provide for the additional children at the school."

It comes as more than £1.7m worth of improvements are also set to be carried out at schools across Walsall.

Work will include roof repairs, lighting and heating upgrades.

Schools that have been earmarked for improvements include Lodge Farm Primary, which will get a new heating system worth £220,000.