EDUCATION officers are hoping to strike a deal to expand on plans for a £3 million development at a York school.

The move could have a "major effect" on Fulford School, according to head teacher Stephen Smith.

It would also benefit pupils struggling in mobile classrooms, and address criticisms highlighted in the school's recent Ofsted report.

City of York Council secured £3m worth of targeted capital funding for the development in 2002.

The scheme, which should be completed by June 2004, will include the construction of a two-storey classroom block and extensions to the science and CDT wings.

But education bosses are now looking to go beyond the initial scheme, while staying within its budget.

The additional plans would mean the school could have a block containing four classrooms to replace the temporary classrooms.

Officers say there would be a number of benefits to waiving the usual regulations and agreeing on one price for the entire, enhanced development, rather than putting it out to tender again for the extra improvements.

Within the contract, which is being managed by Woodhouse Barry, savings of £6,000 have been identified.

Along with the money saved the development would be completed quicker and it would result in less disruption.

Mr Smith said: "I have one department that is all in temporary mobiles and I would be able to bring them into the classroom.

"It also gives me the opportunity to have a workshop area for textiles and have another specialist area for art.

"At the moment, we have a shortage of provision in specialist areas, and that was highlighted in our recent Ofsted report.

"This would be another step to solving that problem."

Mr Smith said a new teaching block would mean the RE department, currently housed in some of the worst mobile buildings, could be moved.

He said the mobiles were so bad one had to be closed while the school was being inspected by Ofsted because it was leaking.

If pupils were moved, they could benefit from a range of computer facilities not available to them currently.

Education chiefs are being advised to give the scheme the go-ahead by officers.

It will be discussed at a meeting of the executive member for education at the Guildhall, on Tuesday, at 6pm.

Updated: 08:58 Wednesday, March 10, 2004