EDUCATION chiefs have unveiled a multi-million-pound plan to improve a newly created school on the edge of the New Forest.

Extra classrooms and a children's centre will be built at Cadland Primary School, formed by the merger of Holbury infant and junior schools.

Most of the facilities provided by the £2.2m scheme will be housed in an extension to the old junior school.

The county council says the design of the new complex will enable reception pupils to interact with pre-school youngsters in the children's centre.

A spokeswoman said: "The children's centre will be a one-stop shop providing a range of services, including day care for children aged up to four years, early education, family support and outreach.

"Home Start, parenting courses and children and family health services will also be included.

"The new centre will have a separate entrance, with offices on each side of the reception area to control access to the nursery."

The spokeswoman said the existing building would be refurbished and reorganised to make better use of the space and provide an improved learning environment. She added: "The extension, together with the children's centre, will be designed to complement the present structure."

County council leader Ken Thornber said: "It's vital we do all we can to ensure that all children get the best start in life.

"Children's experiences in their early years are so important and the children's centre agenda will help them to have better life chances and opportunities.

"The proposed extension and refurbishment work will enable the school to build a sense of community and will also provide a better learning environment."

A planning application is due to be submitted later this month and work is likely to start in the summer.

Once the new facilities are completed, buildings on the old infant school site will be vacated and the land sold for housing.

Outline planning permission for residential development on the site has already been obtained.