Why do we have a Friends of the School Association (FSA)?

Long Bennington Academy’s FSA is made up of a fantastic group of parents, carers, school staff, teachers and other community members who are constantly looking for fun and exciting ways to help raise additional funds for our school. The FSA has been an integral part of our school community for many years and has raised thousands of pounds which has been spent on equipment and resources to enhance our children’s education, the school experience and the school’s facilities.

The success of the events we run is down to the generous help and support from our parents, headteacher, school staff, teachers, and of course the children. In recent years, the FSA has run the Summer Fair, School Discos, PJ and Popcorn nights, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day pop-up shops, and so much more.

Our FSA is about much more than simply fundraising. It 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.

All parents and members of the school community are encouraged to get involved, even if they only have a small amount of time available. All families are automatically members of the Long Bennington Academy FSA when their child joins our school.

Charitable status – Registered Charity Number 1183249

Charity law requires voluntary organisations such as ours with an annual income in excess of £5,000 to register with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. As a charity we must abide by Charity Commission rules and regulations and we are bound by a governing document referred to as our constitution. Our constitution sets out the rules about how we operate as a FSA and how we conduct ourselves financially as well as an entity. If you would like to see a copy of the constitution, please contact a Committee Member or the school office. Being a registered charity enables the FSA to:

• receive charitable donations from local and national companies
• apply to grant-making charitable trusts; most charitable trusts will give grants only to groups formally recognised as charities
• receive donations made through payroll giving and company matched giving schemes
• apply for Gift Aid

Role of the Committee

Our FSA committee consists of three Officers: Chair or Co-Chairs, Treasurer and Secretary all of whom are trustees, as well as a number of other committee members.

Our current officers are:

Chair: Cathy Metcalfe

Treasurer: Katie Roebuck

Secretary: Sian Elmslie

The Committee hold planning meetings on a regular basis, with smaller working groups meeting as necessary when we are organising larger events. You are welcome to join us at any of these to share your ideas and views.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

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

Gift Aid

As a charity, we are able to claim 25p for every pound that is donated to the FSA by individuals (not companies) who are UK tax payers. This does not apply to money we receive in payment for something like a ticket for a disco or selling refreshments. It could include money raised through a sponsored event such as a run or swim for example. We will always look for ways in which we can make the most of this opportunity and may ask you to fill in a Gift Aid declaration for donations where this applies. There are strict guidelines as to what can be claimed and further information can be found on the HMRC website.

Links with local businesses

Many of our local shops and businesses are very generous providing donations for raffle prizes, contributions to refreshments and sponsorship for events. If you run your own business, or work for a firm in the local area that would be willing to help out, please get in touch with any ideas for how you might be able to in the success of our next event.

How we get information to you

All FSA announcements are sent via Parentmail and we have a new website where you can see what events we're running, buy tickets for events and volunteer.
www.pta-events.co.uk/fsalongbennington
Check out the school calendar for all events as well as the headteacher’s weekly newsletter.

How you can get involved

There are lots of ways you can help and support your child through the FSA. Offering to help before events or at other times during the year is so valuable. It doesn’t matter if you can’t help on a regular basis, or even if you cannot come into school. There are always jobs that can be done from home if you have half an hour to spare e.g. wrapping gifts, preparing raffle tickets etc. We really couldn’t achieve what we do without the behind the scenes help that we receive.

Or you can simply support the AGM and give us your ideas for fundraising events. This is also the time to ask questions or voice your opinion.

And finally, we are always extremely grateful to receive donations.

The FSA do amazing work for and with the school but they are always looking for new members, new ideas and new suppliers so if you are interested in becoming a part of this incredible organisation, then contact us via the Facebook group page.

Policies and Procedures:

Members Code of Conduct

Financial policy

Risk Management

Safeguarding Policy

Volunteering

Complaints Policy

Conflict of Interest