Pre-schools and nurseries at four Isle of Wight primary schools facing closure could also shut should controversial plans go ahead, the Isle of Wight Council has said.

Oakfield, Wroxall, Godshill and Brading all cater for two to 11-year-olds and each school governs its own early years provision.

Legally speaking, shutting the school would also close its pre-school, the council told the County Press at a media briefing.

But the authority insists early years provision is a "key consideration" and each area with a closing school, would not be left short.

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Naomi Carter, service director for education, inclusion and access, told the County Press: "We will be working with our early years team to see whether we need to go out for a tender process or expansion of current provision in the local area as well."

Cabinet member for education, Cllr Jonathan Bacon, said: "Early years was one of those things when I took on the brief, it was clear it hadn't been well considered. 

"The council has a specific duty to assess and ensure there are an adequate number of early years places."

As Cowes and Arreton primaries are four to 11 schools, their pre-schools are considered "separate entities".

If plans do go through, at Cowes, Blackberry Lane Pre-School would remain at the current site and offered the option of expanding, utilising part of the school.

The same would also be said for St George’s Nursery and Pre-School, based at Arreton Primary.

Before any final decision is made on the future of all six schools - and their respective pre-schools - a consultation needs to be launched.

To do so, plans must first go before the council's Cabinet on September 12.