More than £5 million is to be spent on improving Essex schools.

Simon Walsh, Essex County Council's cabinet member for schools, children and families, announced that the cash will be rolled out over the next three years.

Mr Walsh agreed the extended schools capital strategy, which is subject to approval by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), and will see £5,430,000 allocated to Essex County Council over the next three years.

It means £2.09m will be spent between now and next year, £2.2m in the year 2009 to 2010 and the final £1.14m in 2010 to 2011.

Mr Walsh said: "Such a significant sum will make a huge difference to the council as we strive to deliver the very best quality of life for our county's children."

He said the cash will be used to make sure more children in the county have access to the core services outlined in the Government's Every Child Matters agenda, including childcare from 8am to 6pm all year round and lots of activities which support study in primary schools, varied activities in secondary schools, including a safe place to be and support and information for parents.

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