The council says that because of dwindling enrolment and occupancy numbers it is planning to close four primary schools it says are no longer financially viable. The pupils will move to neighbouring schools.
Under the nursery proposals, the existing nursery at Granton Primary School would be extended, along with an outdoor play area, at a cost of £91,000. At Gracemount Primary School, £730,000 would be spent on building a bigger nursery, with the existing one converted for primary class use.
Clermiston Primary would get a brand new nursery costing £535,000 and a pedestrian crossing on Drum Brae Drive.
A parent from Granton nursery, who did not wish to be named, told Nursery World that although details have not been confirmed, there was excitement about the prospect of new equipment.
A report published as part of the public consultation process claims that by closing the schools the savings made through staffing and running costs will amount to £1m a year.
The council hopes the sale of the sites at Drumbrae, Royston, Fort and Burdiehouse primary schools will bring in £2.4m to cover the costs of the new nursery facilities and upgrades. The nursery school at Fort will continue to operate from the Fort building.
Edinburgh council communications officer Gareth Jones said, 'This is all part of our wider aim to make sure that our schools are full so we can invest the money saved back into the education system where it's needed.'
Mr Jones added that one of the primary schools has already noticed a fall in intake because parents are nervous about the closure plans.