THE problem of a deficit of school places in the borough is likely to continue until 2015 and maybe longer, according to a Redbridge councillor.

Redbridge has the third highest increase in births in London since 2001 according to latest figures from the Greater London Authority.

The London-wide problem of meeting demand for school places was discussed by councillors as the cabinet met on Tuesday night.

A number of measures were agreed to try and help increase capacity and help the authority fulfill its legal duty to provide school places for children aged five to 16-years-old.

Alan Weinberg, cabinet member for children's services, said: "We need to make sure we get the primary school places right as it's these young people that will move into secondary schools.

"We have no leeway on this, we have a duty legally and we even have a moral duty.

"It's important we give our youngsters the best future we possibly can. It's going to cost money but we are going to have to find that money.

"This is not just a Redbridge problem but a London problem and it will continue until at least 2015, maybe longer."

In January, months before this academic year was set to start, there were only 600 vacant primary places left in the borough.

Redbridge Council receives an average of 60 primary school place applications each week throughout the year and for the 2011/12 academic year there is a projected deficit of 63 places for reception classes in the borough.

Figures show this deficit is likely to increase every year up until 2017/18.

To tackle the reception places problem the council agreed to create a temporary reception class in autumn this year and two more forms of primary entry next September.

Capital funding of £160,000 is set to be released to fund the move although it is not yet known where which schools will be expanded.

A further £300,000 will be spent on a study to determine how further reception places can be created in September 2012 and 2013.

Other measures were also agreed to help ease the crisis and they will involve the council exploring creating further forms of entry to schools in the borough form 2014.