The Department of Education will seek Tynwald approval next month for the first phase of a scheme to build covered teaching and play areas at four primary schools.

It's looking to spend ?142,600 on canopies for Jurby, Rushen, Marown and Scoill Phurt le Moirrey (pictured).

Estates Director, Richard Collister, says they'll provide an excellent additional facility for each of the schools, enabling the promotion of external teaching and play, as recommended in the curriculum.

The department will also ask for funding for two other major projects.

Edward Oldham reports (audio file attached):

?347,066 is being sought for the first phase of major works at the International Business School.

Under the proposed project, the east driveway and area in front of the building will be resurfaced, the driveway will also be widened to provide a defined pedestrian walkway.

Extensive maintenance is going to be carried out on the main building, including replacing lead work, repairing masonry and improving the central heating system.

The third scheme for approval is further drainage works at Castle Rushen High School, which are projected to cost ?84,536 and will be carried out over the summer holidays.