Appleton School Messages 2011
Winter 2011 dates to note: -
From Wednesday 16th November to Friday 24th November: Cycling proficiency training
Friday, 25th November : School hosting a visit by trainee teachers.
Monday 5th December: Matinee performance of school's Christmas play
Tuesday 6th December and Wednesday 7th December: Evening performance of school play
Friday 9th December: Foundation Stage nativity
Sunday 11th December: Craft Fair for children at the school Thursday
15th December: School Carol Service at St. Laurence's Church at 6.00pm Friday
16th December Term ends at 1.15pm
Message from Mary Watts, Head Teacher: March 2011
How the cuts will affect us
We have been working very hard in the last two weeks to ensure that the newly released budget figures would support everything that we want to do in the next three years.
In the last few years we have spent everything we receive from the government on providing an outstanding education to your children. We managed to generate considerable extra funding by additional work in supporting other schools. This is how we have been in the enviable position of being able to offer very small classes and specialist teachers. Fortunately we recognized that difficult financial times were ahead and we prudently prepared for this by building our reserves.
What schools were not prepared for was the impact of the new pupil premium on the school’s budget. The pupil premium redistributes money so that schools where children’s families earn less than £16000 per annum receive additional funding of £430 per child per annum. This is not additional money added to school budgets. Rather it is taken from ‘less needy’ schools and given to schools that are ‘more needy’. I am sure that none of us would deny that these areas need additional forms of support. It is sad that this appears to be achieved in a way that will have an impact on schools like ours with less than 10% free school meals.
Our message to parents is to please support the Friends of Appleton School who we will be relying on to help even more than ever. If you think your family income may qualify for the Pupil Premium please let us know as soon as possible.
Mary Watts