THE planned expansion of Rhodes Avenue Primary School in Muswell Hill will go ahead, despite the council losing �8.57million in funding last week. The �8.1m investment will deliver new classrooms for 30 children each year, starting in 2011, in a bid to co

THE planned expansion of Rhodes Avenue Primary School in Muswell Hill will go ahead, despite the council losing �8.57million in funding last week.

The �8.1m investment will deliver new classrooms for 30 children each year, starting in 2011, in a bid to combat the primary school places crisis across the borough.

There will also be major improvements to existing classrooms and facilities at the school.

After the Government last week removed �8.57 million intended to expand primary schools in the coming years, the project looked under threat just three weeks before it was due to begin.

Angry parents aired their views and concerns at a heated Area Assembly panel meeting with council leader Claire Kober on Thursday night.

Speaking after making the decision, Cllr Kober said: "Despite the unprecedented budget position we face we had to take this decision in the interests of children, parents and teachers in Haringey.

"The investment will deliver extra places and provide a much needed upgrade to existing facilities at Rhodes Avenue.

"Put simply, it is the right thing to do.

"We are able to move quickly in implementing these plans because of the excellent work already done by the head teacher, governors, staff and parents in developing these plans.

"Although this funding will deliver additional primary places it will not be enough to meet the growing demand. That is why the council continues to demand answers from the government regarding the �8.5million funding cut for primary school places in Haringey."

It is proposed that the number of reception places available at the school is increased from 60 to 90.

There are currently 420 pupils at the school. The expansion will mean that the school's capacity will be for 630 pupils from reception to Year 6 by 2017.