If approved, work would begin on new Early Years Centre at both Priorsford Primary in Peebles and St Ronan’s Primary in Innerleithen in Autumn 2019, with both projects due to be completed by August 2020.

Both new facilities – which would cost a combined total of £3 million - will help the schools meet the Scottish Government’s initiative to increase the provision of free early learning and childcare.

The Early Years Centre at Priorsford would cater for approximately 120 children while the new facility at St Ronan’s would accommodate 95 children.

In order to accommodate the new Priorsford nursery building, the school’s outdoor teaching area will need to be relocated but it will be retained.

The Priorsford and St Ronan’s improvements follow a series of works to 15 schools last summer by SBC which totalled over £4m.

Councillor Carol Hamilton, SBC’s executive member for children and young people, said: “It is excellent news to hear that planning applications have been submitted for Early Years Centres at both Priorsford and St Ronan’s primaries which if approved will see both schools benefit as part of our review of the school estate.

“Both the council’s education and architect teams will be working hard to ensure the plans are made into reality as soon as possible.

“If approved, there will likely be some disruption once work begins, but the end result will be an enhanced environment for the schools’ young people to learn in.”

Council leader, Councillor Shona Haslam, added: “These plans will be much welcomed by pupils, staff and parents at Priorsford and St Ronan’s.

“In the last two years, this council has delivered new schools at Broomlands, Kelso High, Langlee and Duns, £4m-plus improvements to 15 schools last summer and seen fantastic progress with the new Jedburgh Grammar Campus which is on course to open in 2020.

“As part of our 2019/2020 budget, we also have committed to funding for the replacement of Eyemouth and Earlston primary schools, investment towards a new Galashiels Academy and to accelerate a new Hawick High School.

“These plans at Priorsford and St Ronan’s are further proof of the council’s commitment to improving the learning environments of our young people.”