A CRAMPED school for children with special needs is set to expand after it was revealed some pupils were being taught in corridors.

Head teacher at Beaucroft Foundation School near Wimborne Paul McGill said investment was urgently needed to improve facilities for his 140 pupils.

Following a major review of special schools across Dorset, county councillors last week supported recommendations to enhance capacity at the Colehill school which caters for youngsters with moderate and complex learning difficulties and autism.

Yewstock School at Sturminster Newton would also expand in an attempt to cut back on the number of pupils having to attend out-of-county independent schools.

Mr McGill said: "There are a number of temporary classrooms around the school site and the school is funding another temporary building for use as a senior resource area.

"These buildings have encroached on to play and recreation areas. Classrooms are small and cluttered and some teaching takes place in corridors," he said.

And he warned: "With a significantly large number of staff, including key experienced personnel leaving this year the school is about to enter a critical stage in its development."

Members agreed to a strategic programme of capital investment as part of the Schools Modernisation Programme to develop specialist accommodation and end reliance on temporary accommodation.

Inclusion manager for Dorset County Council Judy Pritchard said: "Dorset's mainstream and special schools achieve high standards for pupils with special educational needs but in recent years there has been a steady escalation in SEN costs."

First published: January 31