School's new outdoor learning area unveiled after donation from Persimmon Homes

A primary school in Hadleigh will be extending their outdoor learning offering to younger pupils this year following a grant from Persimmon Homes Suffolk.

The five-star housebuilder awarded St Mary’s Church of England Primary School a grant of £4,000 from their Community Champions fund to create an additional Forest School area where children can learn through outdoor play, exploration and supported risk taking.

The school has been offering Forest School sessions for older pupils off site for some time but those in Foundation and Nursery had to miss out because it was too far for them to walk.

Now, thanks to the generosity of Persimmon Homes Suffolk, the school has been able to create a wooded learning space within their grounds, complete with a campfire circle with benches, hammocks, and a mud kitchen that is accessible by the younger pupils.

Persimmon Homes Suffolk, currently building the Charles Church Rose Manor development in Hadleigh, supports charities, schools and community groups across the county, creating a lasting legacy in the areas in which it is building.

Andrew Frolish, Head Teacher of St Mary’s Primary, said: “It’s wonderful watching how Forest School supports children’s development and enjoyment. It helps in so many ways, improving vocabulary, building imagination and creativity, and the children collaborate.

“Their love of outdoor learning is really clear and Forest School fosters a sense of wonder and a connection with nature. We are so grateful to Persimmon Homes for contributing to making Forest School at St Mary’s such a success. Persimmon Homes has made a real difference and lots of children will benefit.”

Ian Hamilton, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Suffolk, visited the school to see how the money is being used and met with the children as they learnt about fire safety.

He said: “At Persimmon Homes we are passionate about giving back to the communities where we build, and it is a pleasure to do just that here in Hadleigh.

“It was a pleasure to see the opportunities that this donation has created for the younger children at St Mary’s Primary, and hear about the wider benefits of the Forest School programme.”

To find out more about the Community Champions scheme and how to apply of a grant of up to £6,000, see here.