Derbyshire County Council said the work will include conversion of classrooms and school rewiring.

Gamesley Early Excellence Centre, Grange Primary School in Long Eaton and Holme Hall Primary School in Chesterfield will all benefit.

Councillor Alan Charles said: "These projects are designed to improve the condition and suitability of school buildings for pupils and teachers."

Spare places

The work at Gamesley will include expansion of the centre and alterations to existing rooms so it can offer full day care for children aged up to five.

The project will help convert the site into a children's centre offering a range of family support and health services for families with children under the age of five.

The work at the school in Chesterfield will include conversion of a vacant ICT suite into a secure store room and TV room.