28 April 2008 09:28 Nature classes stimulate Ashby children, thanks to Central Networks

Children at a Leicestershire primary school are about to start enjoying practical classes in nature thanks to a £2,500 grant from Central Networks.

Pre-school children at Worthington Primary School in Ashby were given the cash from the electricity distribution company's Safer Environment Fund to give the garden a face-lift so it can be used as an outdoor classroom.

School staff as well as parent volunteers will add the grant to money already raised to create an interactive play area with raised planting beds so children can create wildlife habitats and planting areas, as well as a large sandpit with water features and a protective sun awning.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks, part of E.ON, said: "The hands-on experience the children will have with the environment will be an invaluable addition to their studies.

"Hopefully our grant can give the younger children a safer and more enjoyable place to play."

The project is one of the winning applicants for the Safer Environment Fund from Central Networks, which makes money available for projects that demonstrate they will have a lasting and positive effect on the local environment.

"The project will result in the youngest children in the school being afforded the opportunity to learn about and experience nature and wildlife at first hand, through play," said Alison Read of Worthington Pre-School.

"The design will enable teaching sessions of both the pre-school and primary school to be undertaken outside, stimulating young minds through rewarding ‘fun' education."

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Central Networks brings power to 4.9 million customers across central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For more information contact:

Andrew Barrow on 02476 183 677
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