Work to transform seven primary schools, leading to almost 1000 new places, was given the go-ahead during a meeting of Mayoral Proceedings.

Almost £17million will be invested in improving facilities and providing extra capacity at Altmore Infant School and Lathom Junior in East Ham, Manor Primary in Stratford, Ravenscroft Primary in Canning Town, Curwen and New City Primary in Plaistow and Salisbury Primary in Forest Gate.

The transformation will help the borough meet the growing demand for pupil places and also forms part of the council’s multi-million pound Primary School Expansion Programme. Work is due to start by the end of the year.

Altmore Infants will be expanded to a five-form entry with a new classroom block; special education needs room, toilets and office space. A first floor terrace and new kitchen extension will also be added. The children’s centre will be refurbished with a new entrance and office space.

The kitchen and dining area at Lathom Junior will be demolished and rebuilt, and a two-storey extension will be added to provide four additional classrooms, a new visitor entrance and office space.

A new dining hall, kitchen and nursery will be built at Manor Primary as well as a new toilet block while New City Primary will be expanded with additional classroom spaces and toilet block.

Ravenscroft Primary will be expanded from two to three form-entry with six new classrooms, a new entrance block, toilet facilities and a rooftop play area.

Salisbury Primary will gain two new extensions containing classrooms and a first floor roof terrace. Refurbishments to the school will also create new office space, toilet facilities, kitchen areas and a nursery suite.

At Curwen Primary a two-storey building comprising eight classrooms will be constructed.