Special needs boost

Five local schools will get thousands of pounds worth of improvements to help them provide facilities for children with special needs.

The £402,000 from the Department for Children, Schools and Families will also provide £50,000 worth of furniture and IT equipment.

The Schools Access Initiative aims to make local mainstream schools more accessible, reduce travelling times and improve the physical access to schools via ramps, handrails and lifts as well as toilets and medical rooms.

The money includes £34,000 for Thorp Primary and £11,000 for Firbank Primary in Royton, for toilets and changing facilities; £3,500 for Baretrees Primary in Chadderton, and £20,000 at Crompton House for ramps and handrails.

St Paul’s Primary in Royton, which also provides schooling for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders and complex language disorders, will get a 12-place facility costing £300,000.

The current school accommodation for the special needs children is not fit for purpose, and this is the first time St Paul’s has had capital spending to provide the new accommodation.