A local school for autistic children and young people in Wiltshire is the latest recipient of funding from a regional housebuilder.

Persimmon Homes Wessex has awarded Springfields Academy a £1,000 grant as they continue to help local groups and charities in the area.

Persimmon donates up to £64,000 a month to fund initiatives as part of the highly successful Community Champions scheme.

Springfields Academy is a large special school for pupils with a diagnosis of autism that is split over two sites, one in Calne and a smaller satellite centre in Salisbury.

As well as a broad and balanced academic curriculum, it also offers a wide range of therapies and interventions to support the needs of each individual child.

Ann Berrett, from the school, said: “When we first heard the news, we were all in complete shock but now it’s had time to sink in I would like to say a massive thank you to Persimmon Homes.

“At Springfields Academy we have a Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) department where we strive for the pupils to achieve safe and independent lives.

“We do this by delivering outdoor learning via bushcraft and forest schools, hiking throughout Wiltshire, paddleboarding, climbing, Duke of Edinburgh Awards and much more.

“Many of our pupils rarely have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors so we would like to develop their experiences by buying outdoor equipment and a trip away.”

Pupils at Springfields Academy are provided with the foundations and skills that enable them to develop into well rounded young adults who will contribute positively to society.

Pauline Fletcher, sales director for Persimmon Homes Wessex, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Springfields Academy with this £1,000 Community Champions donation.

“It’s been really inspiring to learn about how the team produces such high standards of care so it can offer experiences that support the children’s diagnostic and developmental needs.

“Hopefully this funding will go a long way towards purchasing the equipment the school needs to continue their outdoor activities and I’m really excited to hear about what they have planned for the away trip as well.”

For more information visit www.persimmonhomes.com, or to apply for Community Champions funding visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.