Pupils at a primary school in Sutton are to enjoy outdoor learning and gardening thanks to a housebuilder’s donation.

Croft Primary School has received £1,000 from the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme, which provides financial support to two local charities or good causes each month.

Rebecca Waterfield, from the Supporters of Croft School, which applied for the funding, said: “Persimmon Homes’ donation is a wonderful boost for our fundraising efforts.

“We plan to fund an allotment and create a wildlife garden to help support the school’s curriculum in developing healthy and active lifestyles.”

The Persimmon funds will go towards materials, equipment, plants, and seeds.

Acting headteacher Matthew Cumberlidge said: “Outdoor learning is integral to our pupils’ education. The allotment and garden will provide a fantastic opportunity for the children to learn about science and nature.

“It will also give the children hands-on experience of growing vegetables, teaching them how to encourage more wildlife to the area and the benefits it brings, as well as an understanding of the environmental impact.”

In addition to the donation, Mansfield-based Persimmon Homes Nottingham has given the school building materials, including buckets and pallets.

Ben Felton, managing director at Persimmon Homes Nottingham, said: “We are very pleased to support Croft Primary School’s outdoor project with this funding. They are creating a vibrant garden, which is the perfect space to inspire our future nature lovers.”

The Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme donates up to £64,000 to good causes across the UK every month.

Persimmon Homes Nottingham currently has developments Hucknall, Eastwood, Ilkeston and Gedling as well as working towards creating a new development in Sutton-in-Ashfield later this year.

To apply for Community Champions funding, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity