Welcome to Friends of Treetops Schools, registered charity no.1004981

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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! Let is tell you more about our school’s charity (FOTS), and how you can get involved and help.

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We schools are fortunate to have a charity that is an integral part of the Treetops Learning Community, which helps to strengthen our links with the wider community.

 

FOTS raises funds to purchase specialist equipment; resources; support trips to experience learning beyond the classroom; enhance our children’s educational experience supporting projects to improve the school’s facilities.

 

We are also proud to host fully inclusive social events so all our children can experience socialising with their peers and families in a safe environment.

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Our charity 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.

 

Being part of the charity is 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. Here are a few reasons why:

 

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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Building trust

Becoming part of the charity 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 resources or arranging a visit from a celebrity, the funds raised from your activities impact massively on the opportunities and experiences of all the children at school.

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FOTS gives you a voice

Our charity already acts as a consultative group for the school leaders and governors. So, whether it’s deciding on where funds are spent or getting parents views on wraparound care, you can make sure parents have a voice in how our schools operate.  

 

Forging connections beyond the school gates

Our events are brilliant for engaging with and building relationships within the local community.  Whether it is though sponsorships from local business, mentions in local press or just bringing like-minded people from different backgrounds together with a shared goal.

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It’s good for you

Every parent has plenty to offer, and whether it’s being on the committee, volunteering 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 Officer - Charlotte Davies

Treasurer - Lisa Akinjayeju

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

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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 helps, so just one hour of assisting at event, wrapping lucky dip prizes, or even folding raffle tickets 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  Annual General Meetings are held in January, they provide 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. Details about times and locations of the AGM’s are posted on our social media pages.

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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

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

Summer Fete

Christmas Fayre

Termly Inclusive Discos

Low Noise Fireworks Display

 

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 committee are responsible for deciding how our funds are spent. The School Leadership Team also 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 and Cabin

• Educational equipment

• Treat day

• Year 11 Prom

• Duke of Edinburgh Award

• Soft Play Room

• Annual Treehouse Day

 

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.

 

If you have access to Facebook, please join our official Treetops Friends and Family page. Alternatively, you can follow us on Instagram, simple look for Friends of Treetops School

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We look forward to welcoming you to our charity.