School’s outdoor learning plans get £2,000 boost

Persimmon Homes North Scotland donation will help Banchory Primary School create a new outdoor education facility for pupils.

Plans to develop the grounds at Banchory Primary School through the introduction of new play and learning structure have received a £2,000 boost from Persimmon Homes North Scotland.

The donation has been made to the school’s Parent Council, known as ‘Our Family Hive’ and will help fund the development of an outdoor space where pupils and staff can take part in a range of educational activities.

Persimmon Homes North Scotland Technical Director Sarah Carruthers visited the school to meet Head Teacher Gemma Kennedy and members of Family Hive to hear more about their plans for the new learning structure.

The visit formed part of a special thank you event hosted by the school and Parent Council in the playground to recognise the local businesses and organisations that have supported the school.

Among those thanked were local businesses which helped fund new painted playground lines, alongside Persimmon Homes for its contribution towards the outdoor education structure.

Sarah Carruthers, Technical Director at Persimmon Homes North Scotland, said:

 “We’re delighted to support the Family Hive and help bring their plans for an outdoor education structure to life.

“Outdoor learning can give children a fantastic opportunity to learn in a different environment, develop new skills and enjoy the space around them. It was also lovely to meet the staff, pupils and parents and see the difference that local support is already making at the school.”

Parent and Family Hive member Angela McKay said:

“We are enormously grateful to Persimmon Homes North for their generosity.  As parents, we know what difference this outdoor structure will make for Banchory Primary School, thank you very much Persimmon”. 

Head Teacher Gemma Kennedy said:

“We are absolutely delighted and incredibly grateful to Persimmon Homes North Scotland for this generous contribution. At Banchory, we are passionate about creating opportunities for our children to learn, play and thrive both inside and outside the classroom, and this funding brings our plans for a dedicated outdoor learning space another step closer to becoming a reality.

We are very fortunate to have such a committed Family Hive and supportive local community, and this is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when our school, families and local businesses work together for the benefit of our children.”

The donation was made through Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions initiative, which provides funding to support community groups, charities and organisations across the areas where the housebuilder operates”.