The works are being delivered in two phases: a new nursery extension and outdoor play scape to accommodate the provision of Scottish Government’s increase of funded early learning and childcare from 600 hours to, 1140 hours, and an extension on the building’s east side that will provide new classrooms and a multi-purpose sports hall with changing facilities.

A small extension to the front of the building will provide a larger front reception area and office space along with internal alterations.

Gullane Primary School was built in the 1970s and has been extended several times in the intervening years. The programme of works has been designed to provide additional facilities but also improve the flow of the building and its learning spaces.

Work started on-site in June 2020 to create an extra classroom for the school over the summer holidays. With school back in session, focus has moved onto the groundworks outside to support the new extensions.

Consultation has been held with the school and its parent community to minimise disruption during the programme and ensure it can be developed safely on site. Special consideration has been given to measures that will minimise COVID-19 transmission and keep road areas around the school site safe.

The project is being delivered by East Lothian Council’s development partner hub South East, with Graham Construction appointed as the main contractor. JM Architects, which has created a number of East Lothian’s schools including Wallyford Primary School and has developed proposals for a new secondary learning campus for the Musselburgh area, undertook the design work.

Construction work on the nursery extension is due to be completed in April 2021, and on the classroom and hall extensions by August 2021. Both phases will then be subject to internal works before they will be ready for use. Planning permission was granted in January 2020.

Cabinet member for education and children’s services, Councillor Shamin Akhtar, said: “Good progress has already been made over the summer break to create additional classroom space that would minimise disruption to the school while the construction is ongoing. Breaking ground outside is the next exciting step in this project which will deliver new, modern facilities. The nursery extension will also help us to meet our commitments to delivering additional funded hours of early learning and childcare.

“I know that the school community has been keen to see this work begin and we’re grateful for their support.”

Kenny Campbell, development manager for hub South East, added: “It’s exciting to see works underway at Gullane Primary School. This is Hub South East’s latest project on site with East Lothian Council, after successfully delivering the award-winning Wallyford Primary School.

“We look forward to creating new space for pupils and staff in Gullane and working with our contractor, Graham, to ensure that a range of community benefits are delivered for local individuals and small businesses throughout the build.”