St James CofE Primary School, in Okehampton, has been selected as a Community Champion by Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon.

As a result the school has received a £1,000 boost, which will go towards the school’s fundraising for a new adventure playground.

The housebuilder’s ‘Community Champions’ scheme donates up to £750,000 a year to good causes across the country. The doors to the school opened in 2018, with the outdoor spaces presenting a blank canvas to be developed for the benefit of the pupils.

The Friends of St James have been working hard over the last few years to develop the outdoor spaces to provide an engaging environment for outdoor learning and good quality play times.

Claire Mortimer, co-chair of the PTA at St James CofE Primary School, said: “I want to say a big thank you to Persimmon Cornwall and West Devon for this support.

“This funding will be going towards a playground for the children of St James Primary School.

“We currently have very little outside provision and this playground will aid and improve health and well-being to our school by providing fun and fitness to outside play.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of local businesses and if any other companies are interested in supporting our fundraising efforts please do get in touch with the PTA.”

Following consultation with parents, pupils and school leadership, it was decided that a trim trail style adventure playground would be a much needed addition to the current provision, encouraging good quality active playtimes and also being an additional resource for PE lessons.

As such, the Friends of St James have been actively raising funds for the purchase and installation of a challenging adventure playground that can be used for both purposes.

It will primarily be designed to meet the needs and abilities of KS2 children, but will be available to all pupils. Persimmon’s £1,000 donation has now edged the School and PTA one step closer to its £20,000 target.

Jane Carwright, sales director at Persimmon Homes Cornwall and West Devon, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support St James CofE Primary School and the PTA with its ambitious plans to revamp its outdoor spaces for children.

“Our Fatherford View development is only a stone’s throw away from the school and this will serve as the local primary school for many of our families.

“We’re committed to providing support and leaving a lasting positive legacy in the communities we build in.

“Our Community Champions initiative is all about supporting worthwhile causes in local communities, and St James is a very fitting recipient.”