New outdoor classroom taking shape at primary school near Clacton

A new outside learning area is being created over the summer months at a school serving the most deprived community in the country thanks to a donation from Persimmon Homes.

We handed over a cheque for £2,000 to Sir Martin Frobisher Academy in Jaywick at the end of last term to help them create the new learning area for the Year 1 pupils.

Overgrown shrubs and trees are being removed over the summer holidays to make space for the covered learning area, which will allow children to read outside, and learn about geography, history and maths in a more relaxed environment.

The school knows the open space will help children as they transition from the exploratory and child-initiated play-based learning offered in Early Years’ Foundation Stage.

Simon Wood, Executive Head Teacher at the school, said: “We cannot thank Persimmon enough for this grant, we are a school serving the most deprived ward in the country and it can be hard to raise money for additional resources.

“Our children will benefit from this outside space as they transition from Early Years’ Foundation Stage to Year 1 and start to adopt a more routinely formal approach to their learning. We can teach them in an environment that is more familiar to them and ensure that transition is more gradual for them.”

Richard Hush, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Essex, said: “We are delighted to support the school as they look to make use of a currently under-used outside space that will benefit children for years to come.”

Persimmon Homes is currently building new homes across Tendring District, meeting the demand for housing in the area.

Flint Grange, off Thorpe Road, Clacton comprises a total of 323 new homes including 50 that are offered at either below market value rent or for shared ownership.

The five-star housebuilder has also launched sales for Trinity Fields in Foots Farm Lane, Clacton where they will be building 122 much-needed new home including 27 for those in housing need.