Sam EmanuelChildren at a school near Norwich will soon be enjoying the outdoors thanks to a �25,000 development project to encourage them to enjoy music and nature.Sam Emanuel

Children at a school near Norwich will soon be enjoying the outdoors thanks to a �25,000 development project to encourage them to enjoy music and nature.

The sound of music will soon be filling the air at Drayton Community Infant School when the outdoor musical trail with large pieces of outdoor musical equipment including drums, xylophones and chime bars, and an area for children to make their own instruments, is completed.

A pond and decking area and an allotment and sensory garden are also being put in ready for the grand opening at the school's Summer Fete in June.

Work has already started on the RBS Supergrounds project, which has been funded by �4,000 from the local NatWest Private Banking team and money from the National Lottery Awards For All scheme, the Geoffrey Watling Charity and the Friends of Drayton Infant School.

The scheme for primary schools allows employees of NatWest's parent group, RBS, to nominate their local school for a Supergrounds Award. The staff then work with the school to help it develop fantastic outdoor playing and learning spaces for, and with, its pupils.

Ian Colman, school governor and area manager with NatWest has masterminded the project, and is delighted with the progress so far. He said: 'The project started with the �4000 award from RBS and as a result of this support we have been able to obtain additional funding from the National Lottery Awards For All and the Geoffrey Watling Charity, which has been added to funds raised by the Friends of the School. Everyone at the school is very excited about the project!'

Head teacher Karen Wyatt added: 'A very important part of the school curriculum involves the children learning in an outdoors environment. This project covers a wide range of themes including music, nature and fitness and the children at the school have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the design and construction.

'The support of Ian, the Friends of the School and the Private Banking team at NatWest has been superb not only in raising the funds but giving their time working with the children to make the project a reality. It will impact on the children's learning by developing their creative, imaginative and social play.'

Has your school been given a grant or are you developing a new facility? Call Sam Emanuel on 01603 772438 or email sam.emanuel@archant.co.uk.