WINNINGTON Park Community Primary School will double in capacity if proposals are passed.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is proposing to expand the capacity of six of its schools, which will also see a large expansion of Cuddington Primary School.

Winnington Park Primary School and Cuddington Primary School are two of six schools chosen by CWAC to be expanded. The plan is for Winnington Park to double from 210 places to 420 places, and Cuddington Primary to increase from 210 places to 315.

The average capacity for CWAC-operated primary schools is 220 according to government statistics from 2015.

The council cited “steeply increased birth rates” and “ambitious housing targets” for the need to expand the schools.

Cllr Nicole Meardon said: “Finding room for all the extra places we need is a real challenge, one we are determined to meet in the best way possible.”

People can have their say on the plans through a consultation on the CWAC website.

The proposals to increase Winnington Park to 420 would see each school year increase from 30 children per year to 60 and Cuddington from 30 to 45. Consultation events will be held at Winnington Park on Wednesday, October 5, from 3pm to 6pm, and at Cuddington Primary School on Tuesday, October 4, from 3pm to 6pm.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Winnington Park Primary and Nursery School to provide essential school places within our catchment area,” said head teacher Jane Dale.

“We have experienced a steady increase in pupil numbers in all year groups, and as a result of the growing demand for places the school needs to expand.”

Cuddington Primary School headteacher Sue Mills said: “Following my appointment in 2015, governors and I were approached by the local authority to consider expanding our school due to significant housing being built in our catchment area.

“This is an exciting opportunity to ensure children in the Cuddington area are able to secure a school place - exciting times ahead as we move towards 1.5 form entry."

VisitResidents can make their thoughts known or have their questions answered by emailing schoolplanningandpolicy@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk; or by going to the ‘consultation’ pages on the council website cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk for more details.