Friends of Welton Primary School

A very warm welcome to our school.  This page has been written especially for families within our school community, as we realise that starting school is usually the first experience families have with a Parent Teachers/Friends Association and there are often many questions to ask.  This will hopefully answer some of those questions.

We are very fortunate that Friends of Welton School (FOWS) is and has been such an integral part of the school community for many years.  Founded in 1972, over the years it has raised many thousands of pounds, which have been spent on improving equipment and resources to enhance our children’s education and the facilities in school.

Although it is much, much more than just fundraising, as FOWS exists to provide closer links between home and school and it is an excellent way to bring staff, parents and friends together socially, in support of the school, working towards a common goal.  The continued support of parents and staff means FOWS continues to succeed in its efforts.

Friends of Welton School aim to:

• Develop effective relationships between the staff, parents and others associated with the school,
• Arrange events and activities that raise funds for equipment and projects in school to enhance the education of the pupils,
• Organise social events for the enjoyment of the pupils, their families and the wider community.

Why are we a Registered Charity?

The Charities Act 1993 requires organisations such as ours with an annual income in excess of £1,000 to register with the Charity Commission.  As a Charity we must abide by Charity Commission rules and regulations, and we are bound by a Constitution.  Our Constitution lays down rules about how we operate and how we conduct ourselves.  Being a Registered Charity also gives us extra benefits:

• We can raise funds more easily from grant giving trusts, local businesses, etc.  
• We can take advantage of charity matched giving schemes. 

Role of the Committee

Our committee consists of Officers (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary).  We also have other Committee members to make up the full Committee.

The Committee meets on a regular basis.  Our Annual General Meeting is usually held at the beginning of the autumn term and this is an opportunity for all parents to come along and hear in more detail about events run and funds raised and how the money has been spent.  It is also the occasion when we elect our new Committee.

We are extremely conscious of the ethos and morals of our school and we try very hard when organising and planning events to respect this.

Our previous fundraisers have included:

Children’s discos, Christmas fair, Summer fair, Competitions, Playground cake and sweet treat sales, Uniform sales and Quiz night and Christmas wreath making nights for the adults.

You can see there is always something going on! We always try and respond to the children’s and parent’s request for events and it is fantastic to see everyone having fun at these.

We are always looking out for other opportunities to raise money.  Donations are extremely important as are charity-matched giving schemes run by employers.

How we spend the money we raise

It is at our Committee Meetings that the decisions on how to spend the money are taken.  We always endeavour to spend our funds in ways that will benefit all our children across all areas of the school and curriculum.  We also have ongoing commitments every year such as assisting with the cost of school trips, Year 6 leavers contributions and Christmas events such as the pantomime contribution.

In the past, after agreement with the Head teacher, we purchased the following:

• Wooden outdoor equipment
• Reading sheds
• Sun sails for outdoor learning protection
• Update of the forest school area
• Community reading area

If you have any suggestions on how you would like to see the money spent please get in touch.

How we get information to you

ParentMail emails are sent out from the school, Welton Primary School Facebook posts (managed by parents), FOWS Facebook page and posters and notices can be found in the school playground.

How can you get involved?

There are lots of ways you can help and support your child through FOWS.  Offering to help before events or at other times during the year is so valuable – it really is a case of ‘many hands make light work’. It doesn’t matter if you can’t help on a regular basis or even if you can’t come to school. There are always little jobs that can be done from home.

You could volunteer to be a Committee Member, where you can give your opinions at meetings on which events to hold and how to spend the funds raised, or quite simply support our events! Buy a ticket, donate a raffle prize, encourage children to take part in competitions we run, the list is long!

Please spare some time to attend the AGM and hear first-hand how a little help can make a big difference.  We can be contacted via the school office or at ptaweltonprimary@hotmail.com