A two-year, £8.2m expansion of The Orchards Federation in Bolton is nearing completion, adding new facilities and increasing local SEND places.

A ribbon-cutting marked the final phase of the project at The Orchards Federation, where work across its two sites on Highfield Road has created new and refurbished spaces for The Orchards Nursery School, Cherry Tree Primary School and Green Fold Special School.

The multi-million-pound programme has remodelled and extended buildings at both locations, delivered a new Early Years unit and added sports facilities.

Overall capacity at Green Fold Special School has increased from 130 to 185 places.

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The initiative is part of Bolton Council’s Belonging in Bolton Strategy to meet rising demand for SEND places, a challenge faced by councils across the UK.

Bolton Council's Executive Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, said: "The Orchards Federation is made up of three popular and highly-rated schools, and this £8.2m investment will allow even more pupils to benefit from the very highest level of education in a supportive and inclusive environment.

"Like many areas in the UK, we are seeing an increase in demand for SEND places, and we want as many children as possible to go to school in Bolton where they are closer to their families and friends.

"Alongside this expansion, our wider Belonging in Bolton Strategy underpins our committed to inclusive practice by ensuring mainstream schools can meet the additional needs of children with SEND."

Construction was delivered by family-owned local employer Seddon in phases to minimise disruption to school life.

During the project, Seddon spent over £2m in the local supply chain, completed 100 hours of volunteering and gave £7,000 in donations to community initiatives. The firm also provided 56 weeks of upskilling for apprentices and industry placements for T-Level students from Bolton College.