AN EXTENSION to a children’s nursery, which will take its capacity to 40 once the Covid-19 pandemic has ceased, has been given the green light.

Camperdown Nursery applied for planning permission to extend its premises on Prestonpans High Street earlier this year.

Before the outbreak, the nursery could accommodate 24 children between 8am and 6pm. The new extension will see that number increase, with the planning officer’s report outlining the use of the extension.

It reads: “The applicant is seeking an increase in the nursery registration by 10 two-year-olds and six babies (16 children in total), with the two-year-olds and babies being located in the proposed new building. As such, the overall nursery capacity would increase to 40. 

“The Scottish Government has asked all councils to increase funded early learning and childcare by August 2020, increasing early learning and childcare hours for every three and four-year-old and eligible two-year-olds from 600 hours to 1,140. Nurseries’ requirement for places for children aged three to five will increase. The current nursery premises will offer care and education to 3-5-year-olds rather than 2-5-year-olds. 

“However, this would mean withdrawing a much-needed and much used facility for two-year-olds from the community. Therefore the new building will be dedicated to this area.”

As well as an increase in the number of children, it is hoped there will be an increase in the number of members of staff employed at the business.

Currently, five full-time members of staff work at the nursery, with an additional four set to be employed full-time and two more on a part-time basis.

The plans also highlight two new outdoor areas to the rear and the new building will feature a toddler room, baby room with changing facilities, kitchen, accessible toilet, office, staff room, changing room and toilet.

No members of the public objected to the proposals.