CHILDREN at St Michael’s Primary School in Figheldean are benefitting from upgraded outdoor equipment thanks to grants totalling £980.

The school now has a wider range of resources for children in reception and Year 1 to help with communication and language skills as well as learning activities based on outdoor play, thanks to two grants from Amesbury Area Board.

There is a new sand pit and stepping stones for the garden, a talking telephone and outdoor clipboards, new all-weather seating, tables and waterproof cushions, and an outdoor den.

Rachel Busby, a teaching assistant who applied for the grants, said the money will “make a big difference to the opportunities that the school can offer to the youngest children”.

Mrs Busby is also chairman of the committee of Brambles Pre School in Figheldean, and she has been successful in securing grants from Awards For All and Amesbury Area Board totalling more than £25,000 in the last two years, which has enabled continued improvement to facilities.