A special school in Solihull is set for a major transformation to take more pupils.

The ambitious plans for Reynalds Cross School are much needed as one of the building's has reached the end of its life, councillors heard.

The proposal was discussed at the latest meeting of Solihull Council's cabinet portfolio holder for children, education and skills decision session.

Officer Jamie Rynberk, specialist place planning manager, said the building called The Link – which houses 20 students with a primary need of severe learning difficulty- had reached a point it was no longer economically to be repaired.

The plans for the school are for:

• A new large wing housing a new hall, kitchen, SEND resources such as soft play and quiet areas for autistic children
• A new block at the front of the school which would have three areas – two classrooms for profoundly mentally disabled students and a third room for occupational therapy
• Work inside the school including larger classrooms, a nursing hub and new staff room

The plan is for planning approval for the work to be gained from Solihull planners by mid-August.

And 30 additional places would then be made available in January 2028, once work had been completed.

The officer said: "Our proposal is about 30 additional places, but so much more than that that, the whole school will benefit.

"We are even putting in a multi functional, life skills training hub/outreach, after hours facility so that the local community will also benefit."

Councillor Karen Grinsell, the cabinet portfolio holder and council leader, said: "It's a fabulous school but it needs some major work to be done – so very excited this is going to happen."

Councillor Samantha Gethen said: "It all sounds absolutely brilliant.

"My only concern is what's happening in regards to additional specialist staff for the children at this school?"

The officer replied: "In terms of the expansion we wouldn't simply move from the day of completion up to the full 30 additional places all in one go.

"That would be unfair on the school and put undue pressure on the need to recruit a lot of staff in a very short space of time.

"Our plans are for a staged increase over time."

The leader approved the plans at the virtual meeting held on June 15.

The news comes after the recent confirmation a plan for another special school has been scrapped.

The authority had selected a location for the school – Sans Souci Training Centre in Tamworth Lane – but the authority missed out on crucial funding from the government for that project.

Instead the council received £7.1 million to create new specialist places in mainstream schools in the borough.