Construction is underway on a new £1.2 million modern, purpose-built centre for early learning and childcare at St Mary's Primary School in Bathgate.

The building will provide up to 64 spaces for early learning and childcare for 2, 3 and 4 year olds, and also includes an enhanced outside play area.

The investment is part of a £12 million investment programme in pre-school education in West Lothian between 2019 and 2021, to ensure enough pre-school capacity to meet the Scottish Government's pledge of 1,140 hours of free early learning and childcare per year for every eligible child.

Executive councillor for education David Dodds said: "It's a real privilege to see work start on another project to enhance West Lothian's excellent school estate, which is already one of the best in the country.

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"The £1.2 million new build will provide the additional pre-school places needed to cope with the additional hours pledged in Bathgate, and will be the perfect place for children to begin their education journey in West Lothian."

The project is due to be completed ready for the 2020/21 new school year starting in August 2020. It is being delivered on behalf of West Lothian Council by our strategic delivery partners Hub South East and their principal contractors, Morrison Construction.

Roddy Clark, Hub South East's Operations Director, said: "It's exciting to reach the key milestone of construction on the new nursery building for St Mary's.

"This is one of a number of projects starting on site in partnership with West Lothian Council in the coming months and we're delighted to be entrusted to deliver a range of facilities which will ensure a modern learning estate for the pupils and staff of West Lothian."

Eddie Robertson, Managing Director for Morrison Construction Building Central, said: "We are delighted to be able to continue our relationship with West Lothian Council and Hub South East Scotland and look forward to delivering a fresh and modern setting for pre-school education at St Mary's Primary School in Bathgate, benefitting both pupils and staff alike."

(MH/JG)