Parent and Friends Association (PFA)

Your PFA - Who’s who

First thing we would recommend you do, if you are already on social media, is to join the “Empingham School PFA’ Facebook group.  It is a great way to keep each other updated on what is going on at school.

We have found that by organising a group via WhatsApp can provide you with a very beneficial way to communicate with other parents from your child’s class. It’s a great way to send reminders to each other.  Each class in the school have a unique name to reference to that particular year group ie: Marcus Rashford in 2021 is Year 1.

There can often  be quite a few things organised in the first few weeks such as assemblies, staggered starts/finish times for settling into EYFS (or Reception as its sometimes called), plus that all important chance to grab a coffee with other new parents.  Rutland Water nearby is a popular meeting point for coffee, and perhaps a play after school.

You will be informed a lot of the time about PFA (Parents and Friends Association) which are ultimately created to raise funds for our school.  These donations support events that enhance our children’s experience in the present and future.  One of the sustainable projects included the PFA contributions to the all weather running track on the field.
We also have The Wish Tree in Reception and preloved books for sale.  
 

So who are the PFA?

We have 3 elected roles in the PFA
Chair - Kay Parkinson-Featherstone
Secretary - Anchen Heath
Treasurer - Claire Latham
However, the PFA is not only made up of elected roles.  We have an active set of parents plus we are lucky enough to have parents who kindly offer to help as and when they can.
 

New members are always welcome, and we meet regularly at The Noel, Whitwell for our meetings.

Our main fundraising events are the Christmas Fair held in the school hall in December, and the Village Summer Fete usually held the first Saturday in July.

The school places a great importance on reading and we have our Reading Cafe once a month, every term.  This is usually held on a Friday afternoon, where we ask for volunteers to listen to our children read class by class, including your own child/children whilst enjoying a cup of tea/coffee (and biscuits/drinks for the children!).

The PFA have helped raise funds for:

School outings to see the Christmas Pantomime, Outdoor play equipment, PA sound system, Installation of a bike shelter, Installation of a climbing wall, Installation of a new trim trail.

The PFA also allocate funds to each classroom for those extra special moments we call “Wow” moments to make the children smile.

Another easy way to support is by shopping via easyfundraising.com.

We are also members of Easy Fundraising.  Simply download the app, selection Empingham School to receive donations, and shop.  It’s an easy way for the school to make money from all the purchases we make in our day to-day lives.  
 

Match Funding

You can also help by checking to see if the organisation you work for offers match funding.  Companies generously support match funding.  All you need is a form from the PFA to present to your company.

Many ways we raise money 

Our income is made up of both donations from match funding and grants and the fund raising we do. 

School Uniform

We have a supply of various sizes of preloved school uniform.  All items £1.

Book Case

This can be found in reception.  Feel free to purchase a book.  All we ask for is a minimum donation of .50p each.

The Wish Tree

Also found in reception is The Wish Tree.  Teachers hang cards with their classroom wishes on.  Parents/guardian/helpers can then remove a card and purchase the wish.  This can be sent directly to the school or can be donated directly from that person.  There are lots of companies you can purchase from via the Easyfundraising App.

Cake Raffle

All the children love the weekly cake raffle on a Friday. Shop-bought or home-baked cakes are equally appreciated, so if you would like to donate a cake, please sign up with Mrs Raine in the school office. Typically you are called on for cake donations about once a year. For a chance to win, children simply pay 10p per square. Good luck!

Please look out for Parentmails informing you of the next PFA meeting and feel free to come along.

Also, please do join our facebook page for regular updates. Simply search Empingham School PFA in Facebook.