Consultation due on Manor Green School expansion

Demand for extra places at Manor Green School looks set to see it expand into a respite unit which has been largely unused for more than a year.

Sweeping changes are suggested for the site in Elizabeth Hawkes Way, Maidenhead, which, if approved, would see its status transformed from 'residential special school' to 'day special school'.

A report produced by the Royal Borough's children's services team recommends the need to consult and reach agreement on proposals including increasing the number of pupils the school can admit from 150 to 215.

Space for the extra pupils is likely to be found by allowing it to operate in the top floor of the £4.7m residential unit.

Aside from a suite of four beds used by the Primary Care Trust, the building has been shut since July 2011 due to a funding shortfall.

"The school and local authority have been considering the best use of this building for much of this time," said Rhidian Jones, the council's principal education officer for special educational needs.

"The school is already full and needs room for expansion."

The report, which was approved by the children's services overview and scrutiny panel on Monday, recommends once agreement has been reached with the school the proposals are put out to public consultation.

The outcome will be presented to cabinet in the new year when final decisions can be made.

See this week's Advertiser for a full report.