Welcome to Friends of Treetops

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This information has been put together by Friends of Treetops (FOTS) especially for you, as a new family joining our school community. Starting school is an exciting time for the whole family. Studies show that there’s a direct link between parental involvement and how well children do, so why not get involved from the start! This booklet provides you with information about (FOTS) and lets you know how you can join in.

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Why do we have a PTA?

We are fortunate at our school to have a (FOTS) that’s an integral part of the school community. This year's fundraising started in March and since then we have raised £11,850 which has been spent on equipment, resources and trips to enhance our children’s educational experience and the school’s facilities.

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Our association is about much more than simply fundraising. (FOTS) 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. Its fun too – just ask any of the Committee members or volunteers.

All parents and members of the school community are encouraged to get involved, even if they only have a small amount of time available. 6 reasons why…’ it’s great to get involved.

 

For the Children

Being active in FOTS not only improves your child’s school but makes you an excellent role model. Research confirms what we’ve always known: when children see us involved in their school and learning, it encourages them to do their best.

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It Builds Trust

Becoming part of the PTA is a great way to get to know other parents and teachers while gaining an insight onto the workings of the school. With parents and teachers striving towards the same goals, the parent group is instrumental in making a real difference in the school life of all children.

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It raises welcome funds

Whether it’s creating an outdoor classroom, stocking the science lab with new Bunsen burners or arranging a visit from a top author, the funds raised from your activities impact massively on the opportunities and experiences of all the children at school.

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It gives you a voice

Many PTA’s already act as a consultative group for the school leaders and governors. So, whether it’s deciding on where PTA funds are spent or getting parents views on wraparound care, you can make sure parents have a voice in how your school operates.  

 

It forges connections beyond the school gates

PTA’s are brilliant for building relationships with the local community, from events, sponsorships from local business and mentions in local press. Some Parentkind members have worked with local employees to run career fairs.

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It’s good for you

Every parent has plenty to offer a PTA, and whether it’s being on the committee, helping at events or organising meetings, your talents will be put to good use. As well as being enjoyable and satisfying, you can build your confidence and learn new skills too.

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Role of the Committee

Our Committee consists of Chair/Treasurer/Secretary/Ordinary Committee Members

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Chair- Mrs Sheri Gibbs – fots@treetops.thurrock.sch.uk​

Vice chair/school liaison - Charlotte Davies

Treasurer - Lisa Akinjayeju

Secretary - Sarah Tappin

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The Committee meet on a regular basis with smaller working groups meeting as necessary when we are planning larger events.

The Committee also hold open PTA meetings, any member can come along, find out what the association are planning, share ideas and get involved.

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Volunteers

We welcome any help from parents, teachers and friends, and have a growing list of volunteers who commit some of their time to helping the association. Every little help’s, so just one hour of assisting at event or wrapping lucky dip prizes or folding raffle tickets (just a few examples) would be invaluable. If you would like to join us please speak to a committee member, come along to our next meeting or email us – fots@treetops.thurrock.sch.uk.

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Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Our next Annual General Meeting will be held in January 2024 and provides an excellent opportunity for all parents to come along and hear in more detail about our work, the events we have run, the funds we have raised and how the money has been spent. It is also when we elect our new committee members. 

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Support from Parentkind

Our Friends of Treetops (FOTS) is a member of Parentkind, which is a national charity and membership organisation providing support and guidance to over 13,500 parent associations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Membership includes comprehensive insurance cover by Zurich Insurance plc for all our association run events and gives access to support and advice on running the association plus fundraising ideas and good practice hints and tips

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Parentkind also provide resources for Parents, if you would like to sign up to their Parent e-Bulletin please visit https://www.parentkind.org.uk/Signup

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How we raise money

Like most PTAs, most of our funds are raised through the events that we run.  Some of our most popular events are:

Summer Fete

Christmas Fete

Donations from parents are extremely important.  You can donate time, money, items for sale, raffle prizes and auction lot or offers of services and skills.

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How we spend the money we raise

The PTA committee are responsible for deciding how our PTA funds are spent. Usually the School Leadership Team provide a ‘wish list’ of items that the school would like us to consider funding.

We also invite input from parents too, so if you have an idea of something that would benefit all the students in the school, please do share it with the Committee. We can discuss it at a meeting and feedback.

Funds are typically spent on the ‘extras’ that are not provided by the school’s budget, thus making our children’s learning experiences so much more fulfilling and exciting. Funds are not generally spent on improving the fabric of the school building, as this is the responsibility of the school

Some of the items we have donated to the school are listed below

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• Outside Gym

• Sensory Garden

• School trips

• Educational equipment

• Treat day

• Partyman sessions

• Year 11 Prom

 

How we keep you up to date

Our up and coming dates are sent home with the children or by email. Following an event, we always write to let you know how much was raised.

We have a Friends of Treetops (FOTS) noticeboard situated in the reception area to the left of the front doors where you’ll find all our posters and news.

If you have access to Facebook, please join our Treetops Friends and Family page.

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We look forward to welcoming you to our Association