An Arnold-based primary school has secured a £5,000 donation from us, helping them to convert a bus which will become a new learning hub for the pupils.

Coppice Farm Primary School received the funding as part of our Community Champions initiative. The school was originally built in the 1970s with no additional space for staff or pupils to access for nurture, well-being support or academic interventions.

In February 2020, staff acquired a retired bus to be converted into an additional learning area for small groups and a much-needed wellbeing hub, however the pandemic meant that funds and support to enable the conversion fell through. Persimmon's funding will enable the bus to be converted, facilitating this support hub which will double up as an outdoor learning area where whole classes can learn in the summer months.

Donna Quarless-McGee, Head Teacher at Coppice Farm Primary School said: “This money is going to make a massive difference to our school and will enable us to finally complete transforming our retired Nottingham transport bus into a much-needed additional learning and well-being space for our children. The pandemic hit our plans, completely halting everything and it has been a desperate struggle to get things back on track - we can now turn our dream into reality and there really aren't words to express the difference it will make.”

Gareth Hankin, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes Nottingham, said: “What we do is about much more than just building homes, it’s about leaving a lasting positive legacy in the communities that we build in. We’re always delighted to lend a hand to local schools and community groups to boost their ongoing initiatives or contribute to causes that mean a lot to them.”

“It’s an honour to be able to offer this £5,000 donation to Coppice Farm Primary School to help them convert the retired bus into an additional learning space which will no doubt offer massive benefits to the pupils and staff.”