PRIMARY school education in the boroughs of Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton is to benefit from a multi-million pound investment.

Redcar and Cleveland's 45 schools will be given £70m to revitalise them over the next 14 years, while schools in Stockton will receive a £40m cash boost over the next 15 years.

The Primary Strategy for Change sets out Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's blueprint plans to rebuild, remodel or refurbish at least half of the schools and put them at the heart of the community.

Coun Ian Jeffrey, cabinet member for education, said: "This is probably the most exciting time there has ever been for education in Redcar and Cleveland. So it's absolutely vital we hear the community's voice.

"The 14-year programme will put safe, sustainable primary schools at the heart of communities and ensure every child gets the best possible start in an environment for excellence and learning.

"We have looked at every aspect of a school's operation, from personalised learning to kitchens providing healthy food, and the result is a strategy which is targeted, flexible, cost-effective and aimed at making every £1 of investment count for schools and the communities they serve."

The plans, which will allow a £5m annual spend, will be split between capital projects and improved maintenance.

One of the schools set to benefit from the proposals is Saltburn Primary School, which is currently split over two sites.

Before any plans are agreed, the council is taking part in a wide-ranging consultation programme involving pupils, parents, headteachers and staff.

Three drop-in sessions have been arranged to seek views before a submission is made to the Department for Children, Schools and Families on June 16.

Coun Jeffrey added: "What we need now are the public's comments and views on the strategy as a whole and also, as they emerge, on the individual proposals as they affect schools and communities.

"A huge amount of work has already gone into this strategy, but really we are just at the beginning of the decision-making process."

The Primary Strategy for Change is available to view on the council's website, www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.

The first drop-in takes place on Wednesday, May 7, at the City Learning Centre, Eston, from 4pm to 6pm. The next is on Wednesday, May 14, at Redcar Central Library, from 3pm to 6pm, and the third session is on Tuesday, May 20, at Freebrough Specialist Engineering College, from 4pm to 7pm.

In Stockton, the money will also be used to replace or remodel about half the area's primary schools.

When spent alongside other resources available to Stockton Borough Council, it will mean schools in poor condition, or unsuitable to meet modern educational standards, will receive a high priority for investment.

It will also help schools in deprived areas or where there are too many or too few places in a school.

The authority is also conducting a wide-ranging consultation. A spokeswoman said the scheme was still in the draft stage and that officials will wait to find out opinions on what changes are needed before beginning work.

Coun Alex Cunningham, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Stockton Council, in partnership with school governors and dioceses, has an excellent record in developing schools where they are needed most and keeping existing schools well-maintained.

"The draft Strategy for Change outlines the principles by which Stockton Council and its partners will decide where future investment should take place."

A draft of the strategy is available for comment on the council's website at www.stockton.gov.uk/childrenstrust/consultations/primcapprog, or in libraries across the borough.

All comments about Stockton schools must be received by May 9 and can be sent to Tony Beckwith, Head of Support Services, Children, Education and Social Care, Stockton Council, Municipal Buildings, Church Road, Stockton TS18 1XE.