A SPECIAL needs school is set to be transformed thanks to an £8.2m building project.

Charlton School is to get a new teaching block with to money from Greenwich Council and the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

The school has been split between two sites in Charlton Park Road, Charlton, and Royal Hill, Greenwich - since it opened five years ago.

But now the extension at the Charlton Park Road site means the school's 140 pupils can all be taught in one place.

The new building includes a community hall, which will be used by after-school clubs and community groups.

There will also be a play area and a five-a-side football pitch.

Headteacher Mark Dale-Emberton said: "This is great news for us.

"It means we can feel like one school and it will help us to develop our own identity."

Greenwich Council is aiming to create two centres of excellence in the borough for children with special needs.

Education bosses hope the newly-revamped Charlton School will be the long-term home for one of these centres.

Cabinet member for lifelong learning Councillor Angela Cornforth said: "High-quality buildings and facilities are vitally important in helping maintain good standards in schools.

"This will enable the staff to build on the excellent work they already carry out."