Dozens of extra places planned at Walsall special schools

Funding for any building work would come from capital agreed at the schools forum.

If approved, work would begin from September.

• Oakwood School, in Walsall Wood, and Old Hall Special School, Willenhall, would between them increase their capacity by 10 to 130 places in total

• Mary Elliot Special School, in Bloxwich, would increase its capacity by 20 also to 130 places.

• Phoenix Primary, in Leamore, and Elmwood School, Rushall, would become one school with separate primary, secondary and sixth form departments.

• There would be 40 places - an increase of 10 - in the primary department, 56 places in the secondary department with a sixth form to be developed.

• Castle Business and Enterprise College, in Leamore, and The Jane Lane College of Cognition and Learning, in Bentley, would between them increase capacity by 50 places, making 270 spots in total.

• There are also plans to expand the Shepwell Centre, in Willenhall, to accommodate a further 20 secondary pupils.[/breakout]

A consultation will launch on Monday and run until March 20.

The local authority has provided every school with two copies of the proposals and an electronic version to be displayed on each school's website.

Walsall's Children's Services boss Councillor Barbara Cassidy said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the families who have shared their views with us so far on behalf of the children of Walsall during the informal consultation events across the borough.

"We have been pleased to hear from so many passionate and committed parents and professionals working with children with special educational needs.

"The council is committed to ensuring that all children in Walsall receive the very best education possible and we welcome further feedback from everyone involved on how we can ensure our special schools help us to make this happen.

"A review of our special educational needs provision is long overdue and I would encourage students, parents, staff and anyone else with an interest to share their views with us, we look forward to hearing from you."

Comments on the proposals can be sent to Carol Douthwaite, administration manager, Special Educational Needs Team, Walsall Children's Services, Educational Development Centre, Pelsall Lane, Rushall, Walsall, WS4 1NG.