One of the Richmond's best-performing primary schools could permanently expand to enable a further 30 reception places and new provisions for children with autism and complex learning needs.

Richmond Council is currently carrying out a consultation on proposals to expand Barnes Primary School in Cross Street, Barnes, which has been rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

This would increase the number of classes in reception entry to three each year - up to 90 children if the maximum of 30 are in each class.

Headteacher Mark Hartley said: “Teachers, teaching assistants and school governors are firmly behind this exciting proposal as we would like even more local children to enjoy the vibrant learning, love and laughter that we offer at our school.

“We have always been committed to being an inclusive educational provider, the opportunity to open a new specialist provision for a group of children who find it especially hard to access learning really appeals to us.”

The current capacity of the school is 420 and the proposed capacity will be 630; forecasts indicate there will be a consistent shortfall of at least 30 primary school places per year in the area from 2019.

The consultation proposes a new ‘specialist resource provision’ for up to 14 children with Education and Health Care Plans who have autistic spectrum disorders and associated complex learning needs.

Currently there are over 1,200 children with SEND statements in the borough.

Some of these children have educational needs which cannot be delivered within the borough at this time, so they are educated in specialist schools or in neighbouring boroughs.

This new provision would mean that 14 more children could be educated locally.

Councillor Susan Chappell, Richmond Council's cabinet member for schools, said: “Over the past seven years, we have ensured the provision of an additional 4,893 permanent primary school places.

“Meeting rising demand for placements for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is also challenging.

“One of our main priorities is to enable more children and young people with SEND to be educated within their local community.

“Over the past few years we have come a long way. We supported the Auriga Academy Trust’s proposal for a new 72-place special school in Twickenham - The Maaz.

“We have made vital investments to improve the buildings and facilities available to children at our existing special schools, Clarendon and Strathmore.

“I would like to thank Barnes Primary school for working with us to offer this permanent expansion and specialist unit and I hope that local parents and other residents will recognise and support its wider community benefit.”