Children with special educational needs could be moved to one of three mainstream schools.

Richmond Council hopes to move services currently available at Strathmore School in Ham to new facilities at Russell Primary School, Grey Court and St Richard Reynolds Catholic College in Twickenham.

The authority said the move would offer a wider curriculum, with opportunities for inclusive learning.

Councillor Christine Percival, cabinet member for education, youth and children’s services, said Strathmore School buildings were not fit for purpose and rebuilding the school was not an option.

She said: “To ensure that the young people are educated in facilities that are suitable for their needs and is as local and inclusive as possible, we needed to look at alternative options.

“This is an incredibly exciting and innovative opportunity.

“By developing the special school provision alongside our mainstream schools, we can increase the extent to which children with disabilities and learning difficulties can access the whole curriculum and extended school activities.

“At the same time they will have a specially designed facility with remodelled, high quality buildings to ensure that their needs are addressed.”

Facilities would include improved sensory equipment, enhanced therapeutic spaces, bespoke hydrotherapy pool and facilities for increasing independent living skills.

Pupils would also be able to benefit from the wider facilities available at the host schools, including larger halls, improved sports and changing facilities and specialist teaching rooms.

Ivan Pryce, headteacher of Strathmore School, said: “The plans to develop and expand Strathmore School will ensure that children and young people in Richmond with the most severe and complex learning difficulties will have access to the highest quality resources and classrooms they need - closer to where they live, giving parents greater choice.”

The council said its consultation of parents of Strathmore pupils showed 51 per cent agreed with their plans to move to a multi-site school, with 36 per cent disagreeing.

For more information visit richmond.gov.uk/strathmore_statutory_proposals.pdf.