PARENTS have vowed to fight proposals to add an extra temporary classroom to an "overcrowded" school as the council struggles to provide enough primary places for September.

Redbridge Council has approached Aldersbrook Primary School, in Empress Avenue, Wanstead, to ask if it would take on a extra reception class in the next academic term to help deal with the unprecedented growth in the number of youngsters needing places.

It is rumoured that the extra children will be taught in a temporary classroom in the playground, prompting fears among parents about the impact this will have on the school’s current pupils.

Elizabeth Canavan, who has three children at the school, said: "Putting a building in the playground seems absurd, especially as it's of the essence at the moment that children have space to run around.

"Also I think a lot of the children will be coming from outside the district, which means more cars clogging up the roads and less children walking.

"A lot of parents I have spoken to are very concerned about it as the school is already overcrowded and I just have no idea where they're going to put them all. "If it turns into a reality I'm sure their will be protests."

Another mother, who did not wish to be named, said: "I am far from thrilled with the idea as my daughter has autism and I think if they take on a another class she will suffer.

"Some of the senior staff are going part time next year and I don't think it's sufficient for the volume of children.

"The parking is always a nightmare by the school and I can't see how they can accommodate for them all."

A spokesperson for Redbridge Council said: "This is part of a programme of opening reception classes across a number of schools to cope with the increase in pupil numbers that Redbridge and other Councils are facing.

"No formal consultation has taken place yet as the feasibility of opening an additional reception class is still being undertaken.

"If it is decided to take this proposal forward there will be appropriate consultation."