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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 of a Parent Teachers/Friends Association and there’s often lots of 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.  Also it’s fun!

Obviously as in any organisation, there are times when it is more challenging, but with the continued support of parents and staff 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 (Co-Chairs, Treasurer and Vice Treasurer and Secretary).  We also have other Committee members to make up the full Committee.

The Committee meet on a regular basis usually once or twice per term.  Our Annual General Meeting is 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.

Over the last year, fund raisers have included:
Children’s discos, Christmas fair, Parent party nights, Non uniform days, Quiz night, Family fun day, Competitions, Playground bun sales, Pass it on uniform sales

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 truly the icing on the cake to see everyone having fun or enjoying a new piece of equipment FOWS has donated.

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; Year 6 leavers’ celebration and ice creams at the annual pantomime visit.

In the past, after agreement with the Headteacher, we have purchased the following:

  • Wooden outdoor equipment
  • Visualisers for each classroom
  • Numicon resources
  • Literacy resources
  • Scooters and storage for Infants
  • Zulu Nation visit

How we get information to you
Posters & notices can be found in the two FOWS noticeboards; one outside the Foundation stage entrance and one near the entrance to the main 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 into school. There are always little jobs that can be done from home.

You could volunteer to be a Committee Member, which is a lot like helping although you can also 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 in Autumn and hear first-hand how a little help can make a big difference.  We can be contacted via the school office or at ptawelton@hotmail.co.uk