Rathfern Primary school, Catford. Picture: Graham Ross.

A £4 million package to provide additional classrooms at local primary schools has been approved by the Mayor of Lewisham.

Mayor Sir Steve Bullock said: “The increase in demand for primary school places is a problem across London and here in Lewisham we are managing the situation by putting additional classes in our existing schools.”

Sir Steve agreed to the funds to ensure 510 children the facilities they need when starting school in the near future.

A spokesman for the education department said: “This is mostly in order to provide sufficient extra classrooms and facilities as a result of schools across the borough taking on more children than they usually do.”

Rising demand for primary places is an issue  affecting all London boroughs. The spokesman added: “The £4 million will ensure that the extra places needed in September and next January will be ready in time”.