Alexandra Primary School Education Fund
Each year we identify everything that the school can afford to provide from the main budget, specifically derived from government sources. Unfortunately, we no longer have the budget for all of the additional resources and experiences we have been able to provide in the past. This situation is likely to continue, and we anticipate that contributions to the Alexandra Primary School Education Fund will become ever more essential to enrich the wider curriculum for all our pupils.
The money raised from the Alexandra Primary School Education Fund has in the past been used to invest in the latest teaching and learning technology needs of the school, including c-touch interactive whiteboards for every classroom, enhancing all of the children’s educational experience. Future investments will be used to support targeted curriculum delivery and resources, so that all children will continue to access our aspirational curriculum.
Some of you already give generously. Some of you, we appreciate, are not in a position to do so. If you have not yet had the opportunity to contribute and would like to do so, please know that it is never too late. No amount is too small, and every penny makes a meaningful impact on the offer that we can make to your children.
As a guide only, we are asking for just £1 or £2 a day per child. Anyone who is unable to make this level of donation is welcome to contribute a smaller amount or nothing at all. Of course, you are also free to donate a larger amount if your circumstances allow. All contributions are voluntary as we fully understand the financial circumstances that many families are facing at this moment. To remind you, expenditure from the Fund is approved by the Alexandra Primary School Education Fund trustees. The Fund continues to be:
- Held separately from the School’s main accounts
- A registered charity
- Separate from, and in addition to, the requests that come from teaching staff for voluntary contributions for trips or activities
- Entirely voluntary and completely confidential
If you would like to contribute, please see the attached document How to Donate.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our pupils and maintain an exceptional educational offer for all pupils.
Yours faithfully,
Robert Waiting Lorraine Slattery Howard Jackson
Headteacher Chair of Governors Education Fund trustee
************************************************************************
Alexandra Education Fund - How to Make Donations
Donations must be made to the Fund’s bank account. There are four ways that you can do this:
- Payroll Giving/Give As You Earn
If your employer has a scheme, it will make the donation from your pre-tax salary. The key benefits of this preferred method are that there is immediate tax relief at source for parents (for both higher and basic rate taxpayers), and the School receives the full amount without any administrative burden. In addition, many employers will match the donation and some will double it meaning that for a donation of £100 the Fund could receive a further £200. It doesn’t cost anything to ask your employer, and it could be a great help to the School.
For further information: https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/donating-straight-from-your-wages-or-pension
- Bank Transfer - standing order or one-off donation
Account name: Alexandra Primary School Education Fund
Sort code: 30-98-97
Account number: 48389463
Reference: Your family name followed by your child’s 6 digit date of birth (eg SMITH 210313)
- Parentpay - £80 recommended donation
Pay via your Parentpay account. This is an easy online method to make your donations. The money donated is paid into the Fund’s bank.
Your £80 donation will be made up to £100 with Gift Aid.
- Parentpay - other amounts
Other amounts may be paid via Parentpay under the item Voluntary Alexandra Education Fund
If you are a higher rate taxpayer you may also claim tax relief on your donation, via Self-Assessment.
For any of the above, if you are a UK taxpayer, please also complete this Gift Aid form (if you have not done so already), which means every £1.00 is worth £1.25.
************************************************************************
Alexandra Education Fund - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay?
The simplest and most tax efficient way to donate is via either a lump sum donation or a regular monthly payment. Please see attached the donations sheet for all payment options and additional information.
When should I donate?
Payments from the Fund will be released by the trustees, in response to formal applications from the School, as required throughout the school year. The earlier donations are received by the Fund, the sooner it will be possible to release such payments.
Can the school claim Gift Aid on my donations?
Yes. This will give the Fund an additional 25p for every pound donated!
Do I have to pay?
No – the Fund is entirely voluntary.
Can I pay less?
Yes. Parents should donate only as much as they would like to. Some parents may not be able to, or wish to, donate at all.
Can I pay more?
We are always very grateful when parents make donations to the School. If some parents feel they would like to pay more, this would certainly be an even greater help.
What will the fund be used for?
The Fund will be used to pay for a variety of items that are essential for the running of a large and successful school, from classroom and IT resources to facility running costs and capital items. All expenditure will be approved by the Alexandra Primary School Education Fund trustees. However, there are many other costs that cannot be avoided.
Does it mean that I don’t have to support PSA events?
PSA fundraising will continue as an essential part of the School’s fundraising and social programme. We hope that you will continue to support the PSA.
Isn’t Alexandra a state-funded school?
Yes. However, the state funding is now insufficient to enable us to maintain our current resource levels within budget. This voluntary fund is a way for parents to help support the school financially, but only if they wish to.
Will my child be at a disadvantage if I choose not to contribute?
No.