We are lucky that we have an active PTA who have contributed funds towards technology such as iPads, interactive whiteboards in the classrooms, as well as the installation of our new sports pitch. We have also been able to secure some money from the Local Authority to make improvements to our building. However, we are really seeing the impact of reduced funding on our core budget and on the support we are being able to offer our children.

Over the last few years, in order to set a balanced budget, we have needed to reduce the numbers of teaching staff across the school. This has resulted in a reduction in teacher-led interventions in English and Maths and will impact on the continuing professional development of the staff. We have also reduced the hours of some staff for example our SENCo and Music Co-ordinator.

We have cut the money we are providing for curriculum resources and will be relying on donations from parents to buy many of the basics. In the current financial year, when we set the budget, we had a zero contingency – so no budget left for any emergencies! We may even be facing a budget deficit as we have just been informed that will not be reimbursed for any of the additional cost caused by Covid-19.

Our high standards of attainment and progress have been maintained, and we have worked hard to build successful teams of teaching and support staff, working together to provide a strong and broad curriculum supported by effective targeted interventions. We are worried that this it at risk.

We are determined to provide the best education possible to our children. As your head teacher, I hope that you will be able to support the endeavours of our PTA in raising additional funds.

The PTA wrote to you last week regarding a fund raising campaign. Sadly, this term, the PTA hasn’t been able to run our biggest fundraiser, our Seasonal Fair. The Seasonal Fair alone made over £4,000 last year.

Thanks to your continued loyalty, support and generosity the PTA were able to purchase some fantastic resources for the children last year, including 6 interactive whiteboards at a cost of £2,500 each. However, we still need to buy 6 more of the whiteboards ensuring that there is one for every class which will cost us £15,000. We were well on our way to this target when lockdown struck.

The PTA are appealing to you all to help us raise as much as possible towards our goal.

As a thank you for all your donations, the PTA will be buying a small, personalised gift for your child which they will receive before the end of term.

Donations can by made by Cash, Cheque or Bank Transfer. Please see the letter below  and complete the gift aid declaration if you are a UK taxpayer. 

Raise money for the school whilst doing your online shopping!

For any purchases you make, by following these links, up to 10% of the purchase price will be donated to the school. You will receive the same pricing as normal, including sales and discounts. These purchases are completely anonymous to us.

Why not bookmark these pages to make it even easier to support our school?

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon's program includes nearly all products on their site. Simply click the button below to begin shopping.

Or you can bookmark this link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/?tag=gardensuburbj-21 to shop directly on Amazon without clicking through. To donate to the school, you need to always start your shopping via one of these links (it will not be remembered automatically on your computer).

Easy Fundraising

Easy Fundraising brings together a number of well known retailers, including John Lewis, M&S, Apple, Argos, eBay and others, in one convenient shopping portal.

Helping to raise money through Easy Fundraising is simple, at no additional cost to you. 

You can do this by clicking on the button below then clicking on 'Support a Good Cause' and selecting Garden Suburb Junior School - Childs Way. Next, register for an account and shop through their portal at any one of their retailers. Remember to always start your shopping trip via this link.