Primary school receives cash boost to support local families thanks to Persimmon Homes

A school in Thurrock has received a £5,000 donation from Persimmon Homes Essex towards a support hub that will be used to help local families.

East Tilbury Primary School received the donation from the developer as part of its Community Champions initiative. The funds will be used to provide essential support and facilities to help with the cost of living.

The school aims to install a food bank alongside their current free uniform shop and hygiene bank. The school also hopes to open a kitchenette so children can learn about healthy lifestyles, cooking skills and to budget for meals they prepare. In addition to this, the school is hoping to purchase computers that will enable families to access online banking, shopping and job searches.

Persimmon Homes were delighted to attend the school and were joined by Thurrock Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, Cllr Qaisar Abbas as well as East Tilbury ward councillor, Cllr Sue Sammons. 

Richard Hush, Managing Director, Persimmon Homes Essex commented:

“I was delighted to visit East Tilbury Primary School to see the difference our donation will make. What we do is about much more than just building homes, it’s about leaving a positive lasting legacy and supporting those organisations at the heart of our communities is an excellent way that Persimmon can do this.”

Attending the presentation, Cllr Qaisar Abbas, Thurrock Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities added:

“Our communities are at the heart of Thurrock and it’s wonderful to see first-hand how businesses can support local organisations to make a real difference to families in our borough. I’m proud to be here as Persimmon Homes Essex award East Tilbury Primary School this significant donation from their Community Champions scheme.”

Mrs Bates, Headteacher, East Tilbury Primary School added:

“This superb donation from Persimmon Homes will enable us to further develop our Hub to provide food and uniforms for our families, provide a space where we can signpost parents and carers to resource connections and continue bringing cultural enrichment through our creative curriculum, using external contributors like the orchestra.

“East Tilbury Primary School is a caring community where all staff have our pupils’ best interests at heart. Our Nurture ethos is around making every day the best it can be for each pupil, being proactive in developing individuals who believe in our cooperative values, particularly around solidarity where we seek to support all in our community”

The school, situated on Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, is closely located to Persimmon’s Stanford Meadows development which offers a range of new two, three and four-bedroom homes.  As part of the scheme and Persimmon’s commitment to Thurrock, the company will invest nearly £800,000 into local schools and health services, including the expansion of Hassengate Medical Centre. Almost £150,000 will also be spent upgrading and improving footbridges and pathways in the local area.  The development will also see 44 homes transferred to a housing association partner for shared ownership or below market rent.

Persimmon has also donated to the school library copies of its CONES book, which is written by children’s author Chris Madeley and illustrated by Emily Vaughan.

The CONES book provides an interesting and accessible guide for children as to how new homes and communities are built, while also helping to inspire the next generation of planners, builders and engineers.