Thousands of pupils are being packed “like sardines” into extra classes at primary schools which are struggling under a huge influx of children.
Councils have been forced to implement a raft of emergency measures due to the crises caused by a baby boom, rising immigration and the fact that families are being priced out of the private sector. A third of local authorities are estimated as having to put on extra reception classes for the term starting this week, while many children will be taught in temporary classrooms. Some schools are even renting extra space in empty offices and children’s centres.
Councils have also started creating “Titan” schools with 1,000-plus children, sacrificing playgrounds and green spaces for temporary classrooms.