Friends of Grange Farm

Grange Farm is very proud of its active Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Friends of Grange Farm, or FGF as it is more commonly known. FGF are a group of volunteer parents who want to have fun raising some much needed funds for school and are always keen for new helpers to get involved and lend a hand.

FGF organise events to inspire a sense of community within Grange Farm Primary School, placing the well-being of its children and families at the heart of what they do. They aim to make a difference by raising additional funds for school, whilst encouraging the children and their families to socialise and enjoy themselves.

They provide the children and their families with events to enjoy together, such as discos, Christmas and Summer parties and cake sales.

How the funds are spent:

Over the past few years the school has benefited in numerous ways from funds raised at FGF events: refurbishment of the school library, school sports kits, new maths resources and iPads to name but a few of the resources that have been purchased by the funds of FGF. They have also helped to contribute towards events in school such as Ricky Dance and theatre visits which have enhanced the children’s learning environment and day to day experiences within the school.

How the funds are raised:

We have a busy calendar of events which help to raise funds throughout the year. Generally these include:

School Discos

The discos are just for the kids, and split into 2 halves; Y1-3 & Y4-6. The Spooky Disco around Halloween is always a fun event. Parents are unable to stay for the discos, but can drop off the children and collect them at the end of the session. Of course, there are special circumstances where it may be necessary for a parent to stay with their child, but we do ask that we are notified before the event to ensure overcrowding is avoided. The PTA purchase drinks and sweets to sell at the disco tuck shop, and organise parent volunteers and teachers to sell goods, man the entrance, supervise the children and tidy up after the event.

Christmas Cards

Each year, the children design a Christmas card which parents can then order to send to friends and family. The PTA receive a percentage of the money collected for Christmas card Orders. Once we’ve obtained the forms to draw on and they’ve been distributed to the classes, the teachers and children then perform their magic!! Orders are collected from individual classes then sent off to the printing company. Once the orders arrive, they are distributed and sent home with the children.

The FGF Christmas Party

Traditionally we hold the annual Christmas Party on the last Friday before the final week of term. The children are invited to come to school in non-uniform the week before, in exchange for a donation to our fabulous Christmas Raffle Hampers! The whole family is invited to the party and there’s a chance for each child to visit Santa in his Grotto. Refreshments are sold at the party, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

It is stressed that this is a party, not a fayre, so unfortunately external stall holders are not invited, although donations for the raffle are needed and very welcome, and of course we will let everyone know who the donations are from and appreciate the support.

Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Sales

Every year we give the children the opportunity to buy ready wrapped gifts and cards for the special people in their lives. The sales are held at school during the day so parents don’t get a sneaky peak at their gifts. The children love picking the perfect gift to give to mum or dad, all by themselves.

Sports Day Refreshments, Cake Sale & Picnic

Sports day is usually held in mid to late June and is a really family event. Between the morning and afternoon events families are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy lunch with their children and the rest of the Grange Farm families. FGF usually organise a cake stall and ask for donations from families. Volunteers are required to set up, sell cakes and tidy away afterwards.

The FGF Summer Party

A large outdoor fundraising event similar to the Christmas Party and is by far the most enjoyable of all our events. It does take a lot more organising, but we think we’ve managed to succeed in a winning formula that’s worked year after year. Although we need more volunteers for this event than the others, all we ask is for half an hour of your time, so that everyone gets to enjoy the party with their friends and family. As with the Christmas Party, the children are invited to come to school in non-uniform the week before, in exchange for a donation to our Summer Tombola!

Refreshments and a BBQ are available to help raise funds and there is plenty to keep the kids and adults entertained.

Who we are:

The current committee is made up of the following members:

Sonia Bargota – Chairperson

Rhajvir Basra – Secretary

Anupreet Gill – Treasurer

Mr Walters – Headteacher Committee Member

Miss Lewis – Teacher Committee Member

Natalie Cox-Casey – Parent Committee Member

We also have an extended group of members who attend meetings and volunteer on a regular basis, without whom all of the wonderful fundraising achieved would not be possible.

We are always looking for new people to take on a role and coordinate events. It’s a job you can do for as long or as little as you would like, so all offers of help are always welcome! This can be given in many ways; by attending events, selling raffle tickets, becoming a committee member, sending in donations, baking cakes, wrapping gifts etc. if you are happy to help – great!!

You can also follow the FGF Facebook page to keep up with all the latest news and events.

FGF Facebook Page

Many Thanks

Friends of Grange Farm