[History and Development] [The Committee (pictures & e-mails)] [The Grants Committee]
We are a Parent Teacher Association and our goal is to involve our community in the school for the benefit of our children, our school and our families. We focus on two-way communications between home and school, providing a forum for discussion and information exchange in both directions. We look for ways that parents and guardians can help to support the school in enhancing the education of our children in whatever way they can.
Friends of Wedmore First School plays an important role. We organise several fundraising events during the year, such as a Christmas craft fair, winter supper, summer fair, bike trials, school discos, and a bi-annual Ball. The money raised helps to pay for enrichment activities and equipment, such as computers, provision and running of the swimming pool, music tuition and foreign language lessons. You can find out how we have raised and spent funds by looking over our accounts, which will be updated and posted regularly on our website along with minutes of meetings. Our fundraising events also provide opportunities for everyone to meet and have fun, bringing our community together.
Membership of Friends of Wedmore 1st School is automatic for the community of parents, staff and governors. The Head teacher and Deputy Head try to attend all the committee meetings while other staff attend meetings occasionally. The governing body appoints a Friends governor who represents them at committee meetings and is the main point of contact on a day to day basis. Currently there are 27 Committee Members, including parents' representatives who are appointed for each class to act as conduits for feedback, to promote events and encourage support.
We also have a grants committee whose role is to identify and apply for grants, awards, equipment, training courses, educational trips - additional resources to enhance our children’s education. You can read more, through these links, about the grants committee and a brief overview of the current grant bids.
It is now the case that the School’s annual State funded budget only allows for a basic level of education. It does not allow for specialist teaching or coaching, the maintenance or replacement of teaching equipment and resources such as books and enhanced educational experiences for example Environment Week or visits to external events. Friends is a crucial organisation that helps to provide essential funding to make up for the shortfall.
Please support us as much as you are able to and in any way that you can.
