Plans have been unveiled to expand early learning and childcare provision in Falkirk.

The council will spend funding this year on a number of projects, which include:

• A new early years campus at Langlees Primary School

• A new early years campus within Slamannan Primary School, offering increased capacity

• An extension to the current nursery class at Easter Carmuirs Primary School

• Work to improve access toilets and kitchen areas at Avonbridge Primary School.

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Four pilot projects will also get underway in August 2017 at Wallacestone, Bantaskin, Victoria and Nethermains primary schools.

Councillor Adanna McCue said: "I welcome the expansion of our early years service which will help parents to have a greater degree of flexibility when it comes to employment whilst ensuring our young children have the best start in life.

"The introduction of planned pilot projects will give us a greater understanding of the needs of parents across the Falkirk Council area over the next year."

The council will now prepare an expansion plan which will include details of infrastructure, estimated costs and additional staff needed to meet the increase in early year and childcare hours by 2020.

(LM/JP)