PLANS to extend a free school for pupils who find it difficult in a mainstream environment have been revealed.

The Heights school in Blackburn currently has three classrooms that do not provide adequate space to accommodate pupils, with static pillars in two classrooms that obstruct pupils’ views to the teachers’ display monitors.

And there is no outside play space or facilities for Key Stage 4 pupils.

According to proposals, existing spaces will be remodelled and two extensions will be built on the ground floor to create additional nurture space and introduce a food technology classroom.

Separate plans have been lodged for two multi-use games areas (MUGAs).

Bosses are looking to install a 3G pitch to be used predominantly for five-a-side football, with a tarmac MUGA for basketball, netball and hockey.

The space between the two pitches will be set aside for future development as a nurture / ecology area.

A spokesman said: “Our pupils deserve the best possible facilities and a quality curriculum, which at present is not the case.

“When the school was initially refurbished little planning went into future proofing against the needs for expansion or ensuring that classrooms were fit for purpose. Over the course of the last six years, the school’s roll has continued to grow and in recent times has been oversubscribed. Some rooms are not fit for purpose to accommodate pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

“The school wishes to expand its external play area provision along with internal works to alleviate these concerns.

“It is hoped that this statement demonstrates that a modest change to the existing building can provide a substantial benefit to the school and their ability to provide the education their pupils deserve.”

Both extensions will create 62 square metres of additional internal floor space.

New roof lights will be introduced to bring natural light and ventilation into the building.

Both extensions are similar proportions and internal layouts are the same, offering possible future re-use.

Existing areas have been assessed and would be remodelled to better suit the expansion needs of the school including providing additional nurture space, English and maths classroom space.