Five schools are set to be expanded to deal with the growing demand for primary school places in the borough, it was announced on Thursday.

Altmore Infant School and Lathom Junior School, both in East Ham, Curwen Primary School, in Plaistow, John F Kennedy Special School, in Stratford, and Ravenscroft Primary School, in Canning Town are next in line for a refurbishment as part of Newham Council’s ongoing Primary School Expansion Programme.

Councillors approved the issuing of public notices outlining a proposal at Newham Council’s cabinet meeting.

They include plans to increase Altmore from a four to five form entry; Lathom from a four to five; Curwen from a three to four; Ravenscroft from a two to three; and to more than double the intake of John F Kennedy from 90 places to 190.

The move also means Ravenscroft Primary School will be able to create a centre to teach children with autism.

Cllr Rev Quintin Peppiatt, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “This expansion will create 745 new school places, 100 of which are special needs places.

“It is going to help meet the rising demand for primary school places and, as a council, I believe we have handled this issue much better than our neighbouring boroughs.”

The funding will come from the council’s Capital Programme - approved in May - and a Department for Education Basic Need grant of £48m that was awarded to the borough in March to redress a significant shortage in school places.