Edstart Schools has been granted planning permission by Bolton Council to convert a building into a new independent special school for 35 children in Bolton, BBC News has reported.

Edstart Schools operates schools in Greater Manchester and Wirral for children with special educational needs who are “unable to maintain regular attendance at a mainstream school”.

A planning statement in support of the plan said: “The demand for specialist independent school services has been highlighted by partners and colleagues in senior education positions throughout the North West over the past 12 months.”