AN outstanding primary school in Bolton is to receive a half-a-million pound cash injection to support pupils who have additional needs.

Moorgate Primary School in Tonge Moor is to be expanded to create the unit for special educational needs and disability (SEND) following the huge success of other such units at other mainstream schools in Bolton.

The school will receive £551,000 to build the new unit as as extension to the existing school.

It will provide accommodation for up to eight primary-age pupils but with access to the mainstream primary setting.

A council report stated: “A proposed new secure outdoor play area will complete the scheme,” and a separate dedicated and secure access.

In 2013 the council provided two small centres for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder at Blackrod Church School and St Teresa’s RC School in Little Lever to trial targeted support for pupils in mainstream settings.

A similar provision was provided at Rivington and Blackrod High School to support secondary school children a few years later.

Education chiefs said: “The units have proved successful in helping pupils integrate into and be supported by a traditional mainstream setting, and it is now proposed to provide a similar unit at Moorgate Primary to accommodate further SEND special provision.”

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said:“Every child in Bolton deserves the best possible start in life and should be fully supported to achieve their potential.

“We want to make Bolton an inclusive place to learn where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

“This new unit will give pupils with additional needs the support they need in an environment that suits them.”