Pupils at Heybridge Primary School, near Maldon, returned from the summer holidays to find their outdoor learning and play areas had been transformed.

Maintenance Operatives from the Essex team spent part of the summer break transforming the outside space at the school, creating new planters for the pre-school, paving muddy areas outside classrooms, and installing new benches funded by gardening contractor Down to Earth. 

Staff from the regional office in Witham also donated gardening equipment to help the nursery children make the most of their enhanced outdoor environment. 

The project was designed to create a more welcoming, practical and enjoyable space for children to learn, play and spend time outdoors throughout the school year. 

Richard Hush, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Essex, said: "We are proud to support communities close to our developments and are delighted to have delivered these improvements at Heybridge Primary School. 

"We recognise that this summer has seen some disruption for neighbours as we progressed with groundworks at our new community at Willows Reach. We are grateful for the patience and understanding shown by local residents and are pleased to be able to give something back to the community through projects like this. 

"Seeing children return to school and enjoy these improved facilities makes the effort worthwhile, and we hope they will benefit from the space for many years to come." 

Terri Smith, Head of Customer Care at Persimmon Homes Essex, said: "The team embraced this project from the outset, taking an initial concept and delivering something that exceeded all expectations. Their commitment, professionalism and attention to detail were evident throughout, demonstrating a genuine desire to create a lasting benefit for the children and wider school community.”