The Schools Access Initiative Programme 2008-11 will benefit around 50 mainstream schools annually and fits in with a city-wide strategy to ensure that all schools are brought up to a minimum standard of accessibility.

If it goes ahead GF Tomlinson will be preferred contactor.

All work will be completed in accordance with Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and the stringent requirements laid out in the Building Regulations and other equality-related legislation.

Cllr Les Lawrence, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families, said: "Despite the fact that many of the individual projects proposed for the Schools Access Initiative Programme have a relatively low financial value, their worth to pupils and staff is priceless.

"This well-established programme is ensuring that Birmingham has schools that allow those with Special Educational Needs can be successfully included within mainstream as well as the teaching and support staff that work within them."