Two of Bolton's outstanding schools are set to be expanded as pressure on school places continues to grow.
Green Fold School and Ladywood School are set to take on additional pupils as demand for places at school for youngsters with special educational needs increases - a trend which has been seen over the last 10 years.
Both schools are operating in excess of their 'standard admission numbers'
The expansion plans will result in an additional 45 places at Green Fold and an additional 60 places at Ladywood.
Cllr Anne Galloway, Executive Cabinet Member for Children's services said: “There has been a significant increase in demand for special school places in Bolton, an increase which is forecast to continue.
"To meet this growing need we are working closely with Green Fold Special School and Ladywood Special School to expand places for primary age children at two schools which have both been judged as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
"We want to provide Bolton children who require a special school place with the best possible education and start in life
"It will form part of a wider provision for children across our mainstream and special schools in Bolton."
Whilst Cllr Galloway has approved the request, this is subject to a consultation, with the results expected to be revealed at a future Children’s Services meeting.
Both Schools had previously expanded over many years and the current specialist supported inclusion had continued to be an essential part of supporting the growing numbers of children with special needs.
In April, The Bolton News reported that schools were under “significant pressures” to meet the demand in Bolton, with 23 schools oversubscribed, and 165 children in total, over capacity.
At the time, a spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “There is significant pressure on school places in certain areas and year groups.
“We continue to work with local schools and the Department for Education to address this issue.”
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