PLANS for a children's centre at Loddon Infant and Nursery School have been submitted by Norfolk County Council.The project is one of three new centres planned in south Norfolk aimed at helping toddlers and their families.

PLANS for a children's centre at Loddon Infant and Nursery School have been submitted by Norfolk County Council.

The project is one of three new centres planned in south Norfolk aimed at helping toddlers and their families.

The authority has already submitted applications to build two new centres, one at Manorfield First and Nursery School in Long Stratton, and another at Harleston Primary School.

The proposals are part of a project by the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) to roll out 3,500 centres by the end of this year which provide play opportunities for children under five, as well as access to support groups, local childcare, health services and training and employment advice for families.

The centre at Long Stratton, which would also include a special resource base for children with special education needs and a pre-school, is expected to cost �1.4m.

It would be built between Manorfield First and Nursery School and Long Stratton High and is due to open in May 2011.

At Harleston Primary School the children's centre would be incorporated into the current staff room and the building would be extended to create an additional classroom.

The work, estimated to cost �360,000, would be completed before pupils return to school at the beginning of autumn term this year. The project at Loddon Infant School is expected to cost �340,000 and is due to be open by February 2011. The plans will be considered by South Norfolk Council at a later date.