New nursery places after housing boom

Midlothian Council has agreed to increase the number of nursery places in Danderhall to meet the demands of additional housing.

Councillors agreed to commit £40,000 towards renovating and extending facilities at Danderhall Primary School, which currently has a capacity of 30 children each in the morning and in the afternoon.

Capacity will increase to 50 each morning and afternoon after the renovation works have been completed.

The council took the decision in order to meet an anticipated increase in demand for nursery places in the Danderhall area, where 430 new houses are planned.

The increased capacity will be achieved by adapting an area vacated by NHS Lothian within the school.

Education and communities spokesman Councillor Peter Boyes said: “Today’s decision reflects this council’s determination to ensure that all Midlothian children receive the best possible start in life. This new funding will make sure that we create enough new nursery places in Danderhall to meet the expected increase in local population over the years ahead.”