School extension to provide extra places
A plan to expand a special school in Oldbury to allow it to take in more children has been approved.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet approved a proposal to spend £850,000 on creating a new three-classroom block at The Meadows School in Dudley Road East.
It is hoped work will start soon and be completed in time for the new academic year, providing places for an additional 18 pupils.
Education bosses said there was a need for more secondary places and would also save the authority money spent on finding out of borough spaces.
The proposal was unanimously approved by Sandwell Council’s cabinet at the meeting on Wednesday.
Councillor Joyce Underhill, cabinet member for best start in life, said: “The LA has a statutory duty to ensure there is a sufficient supply of school places.
“Following a review, it could be seen there is a need for additional places in the special school sector in secondary phase.
“The Meadow School itself has now reached its full pupil capacity and sourcing additional places out of borough is costly with a significant impact placed upon the High Needs block as well as associated transport costs.
“There is an opportunity to deliver an increase in pupil places in time for the new academic year.
“Works will entail construction of a small three classroom block to enable the admission of an additional 18 pupils.
“Cabinet is asked to approve the allocation of £850,000 from the council special educational needs grants to fund the extension works to the Meadows.”
