Summer Fete – how we will need you to help make it a success!

As many of you know, the Summer Fete is a family fun day for the whole Claremont community – pupils, parents, extended family, future pupils, past pupils, neighbours,.. There will be all your usual fete fun – bouncy castles, games, ice cream, face painting, food and refreshments. And the best bit? Every penny raised will go towards the PTA!

It will be on Saturday 2nd July, 12-3pm and tickets are now on sale through our website for £2.50 per adult (children are free) and on the gate for £3 per adult.

Whilst we have a dedicated team organising the event, they are small in number and we cannot make it happen without a large pool of volunteers, donations from the parent body and some specific skills and pieces of equipment. This blog is to explain the ways we will be asking the Claremont community to rally together to help make the Summer Fete a success!

DONATIONS:

We will be asking parents to donate items to help us populate the stalls and raffle. Shortly after the May half term, we will be holding some donation mornings where we will be collecting:

- Sweets in a jam jar (no chocolates or nuts) - see example photo below

- Teddies

- Books

- Fancy dress costumes.

- Unopened bottles of alcohol

- Raffle prizes – a specific colour depending on your child’s year group.

Teddies, books and fancy dress costumes can be second hand but good quality please.

The raffle will be a “Colour Raffle”. There will be 7 wonderful hampers up for grabs. We are asking each year group to donate raffle gifts of a specific colour:

- Reception – RED

- Year 1 – ORANGE

- Year 2 – YELLOW

- Year 3 – GREEN

- Year 4 – BLUE

- Year 5 – PURPLE/PINK

- Year 6 – WHITE

The Donation mornings are happening on Wednesday 8th, Thursday 9th and Friday 10th June during morning drop off. Find the PTA helpers either at the Banner Farm Road Gate or in the playground by the Reception pen from 8.40-9am.

VOLUNTEERING ON THE DAY:

As is Claremont tradition, we will be asking each class to provide volunteers to help set up, run and tidy away a stall. We will ask Class Reps to coordinate the rota for each class so that will come from them in due course. These are the stalls that each class will be responsible for:

Reception Sapllngs - BBQ

Reception Acorns – Hook a Duck and Lucky Dip

Year 1 Elm – Bouncy Castle 1

Year 1 Ash – Bouncy Castle 2

Year 2 Maple – Teddy Tombola

Year 2 Rowan – Book/DVD/Greeting Cards Stall

Year 3 Hazel – Fancy dress stall

Year 3 Cedar – Sweets Tombola

Year 4 - Bar and Craft Stall

Year 5 – Linden - Coconut Shy (/other game tbd) and Sponge a Teacher

Year 5 - Elder - Bottle Tombola

Year 6 – Sweet treats – e.g. Cupcakes, popcorn tbd

More information about the volunteering rota will come from Class Reps in coming weeks.

LENDING US YOUR SKILLS:

We are looking for:

- A chalk writer for the Bar signs

- A graphic designer to help make our map look pretty – hand drawn or computer drawn

Please email us now if you could lend us your skills in these areas.

LENDING US YOUR EQUIPMENT

We will need 2 art easels, also probably need some clothes rails and may need extra tables and gazebos. Please email us if you might have any of those we can borrow on the day.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

The PTA

Committee Meeting Minutes - March 2022

PTA MEETING

CLAREMONT PRIMARY SCHOOL PTA

PTA MEETING

10 March 2022, 7.15pm, The Claremont

Seven members constitute a quorum. See Table 1 at the end of report for full attendance and voting record.

APOLOGIES: Candi Roberts, Sarah Seddon

1. Intro/Update - CS

a. Teacher Rep – vacancy still outstanding. We have had one expression of interest from a TP in Year 5. Committee discussed how to attract/approach volunteer.

Action 1: CS to follow up with interested party and CC to chase / ask internally if any volunteers.

b. Barclays access - Sami and Claire can now successfully access the banking.

c. New PTA Committee member- Nicki Web has volunteered to join the Committee. Nominated by CS, seconded by NJ.(Voting not required). Welcome Nicki!

2. Actions from Last Meeting (S’OM)

a. Disco – cannot be held before Easter. CC is in touch with DJ Lollipop and will check Hall availability on Fridays (3x events on a Friday) as no clubs. Year 5&6, then Year 3&4 and then Year 1&2 if we can squeeze them in. Ticket (£5) inc. snack and drink, up to about 100 tickets available. Put on website and request volunteers when buy tickets.

b. CSR Promotion – SO’M action o/s - Corporate Social Responsibility days & Corporate matching– agreed we should publicise in the next email/blog; parents employers may offer this, encourage parents to investigate as they may be able to use days for assisting Event(s) set up.

c. Covenance Scheme – BD to continue to consider re-vamp/re-brand of scheme. Consider legalities of title of Covenance Scheme which is old fashioned. Need to promote better.

d. Spring Wreath Making - couldn’t get interest to facilitate/host so agreed not to progress, retain for Christmas.

e. Engagement with other school PTA’s – BD going through all the local info online; found a couple of schools similar to Claremont from a size perspective. Will collate learnings and share, inc. what corporate sponsors pay for sponsorship,

f. Staff band for Clarefest – DC was going to ask if there was a staff band that would like to participate in Clarefest – CC agreed to chase.

Action 2: CC to chase / ask internally if any interest in forming a Staff Band for Clarefest.

3. Financial update & achievements - SF / NJ

Activity since last meeting:

~£35k in the account, exc. PayPal (£298.66). Last month ~£3k income: ~£1400 local giving. £1000 sponsorship. £400 purchases through website (Stripe). £600 outgoings: £300 licence (lottery and licence), and £225 Clarefest deposits and £95 storage boxes.

Cashless Payments for events

· Update on options to use pre-pay tokens for some stalls rather than cash:

o re-usable plastic tokens (biodegradable options being looked into) cost about £30 for 500. Token could have value of it printed on it e.g. 50p per token.

o NJ suggested paper tickets as cheaper alternative and easier to manage flow.

Action 3: NJ to look into machine to print and cut paper tickets ~5000 and feedback

o Committee preference is to offer tokens to be purchased on the day rather than in advance. Need to ensure easy to buy tokens and minimise queues – e.g. at the bar, BBQ, and a token stall. Could include a specific amount (e.g. 5 tokens) within the ticket entry to minimise queues at the beginning.

o Risk was flagged about tokens being taken away and reused for future events and potentially uncontrolled PTA assets. Committee agreed can minimise this risk by reducing number of tokens that leave the site/are taken away through 1) a “recycling” box at exit (no refunds), 2) no minimum spend and 3) ensuring tokens are bespoke

o Need to consider logistics of handling tokens on the day and how people could carry tokens easily (e.g. on a bracelet?).

· For card payments: SF proposed Sum Up (£40 one off cost per reader) to be used. Best value rate for charity. We would buy 3 separate Readers which are connected to someone’s phone. NJ proposed using Wix App so connected to the website. Potentailly all Committee members could use the Wix App to take payments directly at events.

Action 4: NJ to investigate using Wix for payments / making in person sales.

· Committee had a general discussion about “going cashless” at events and whether desirable to fully go cashless. Advantage is logistically easier on the day. Clearly communicating to attendees how they will need to pay would mitigate risks. Solves problem of running out of cash. Main risk is if technology fails so some ability to handle cash would be a good as a back-up plan at least.

Action 5: SF to consolidate further research and propose a recommended approach.

4. Events / Fundraising Updates

a. Easter – LP

LP has bought all the Easter eggs for event on 1st April 2022. Has 10/11 volunteers. All going well. PTA supplied the paper to make the baskets last year. LP to check receipts and see if more budget approval is needed for paper. Provide enough information for children with allergies (could send a photo of what basket would look like). If bad weather, will do in the school hall.

Action 6: LP to check with school whether the hall is available as a plan B, check status for paper and situation for Reception pupils who leave at lunch

Action 7: CS to review and sign off risk assessment.

b. Scavenger Hunt – CS

30 ticket sales so far. Further promotions needed this week before sales end.

Action 8: CS and CC to push ticket sales through weekly email and posters.

c. Clarefest– EB

Preps going well. Huge thanks to all those busy behind the scenes.

BBQ – Toby Brandon running BBQ (Clarefest & Fete), needs additional help. BD expressed keenness to be involved as prep for Summer Fete BBQ.

Action 9: EB to facilitate additional BBQ helpers.

Site Visit next week for people doing music. No teacher band currently but CC to keep pushing and asking see what possibilities (see Action 2). Suggestion for further children involvement e.g. irock.

Action 10: EB to discuss with school whether iRock could play at Clarefest

Tables –concern (also for summer fete) that we don’t have enough. Summer Fete Team are due to do table stocktake and will report back. May need to source extra if not enough.

CS updated on conversations with Batchellor Monkhouse . sponsors. Need to let them know what they can display at Clarefest (e.g. signage/banner).

Chris Jeffreys is creating the marketing materials/logo etc.

Further discussion included plans for waste, use of reusable cups, timing of ticket sales and need for practice run setting up Marquee (EB to consider).

Action 11: EB to continue to liaise with CS and summer fete team to share ideas and synergies over waste and marquee/gazebo usage/needs, tables, marketing etc. [S1]

Massive thanks to all Clarefest team for all their amazing efforts to date, EB to pass on appreciation.

d. Summer Fete – CS/NJ/S’OM

Date has been fixed for Sat 2nd July 2022. Huge thanks to the Summer Fete team working behind the scenes. You know who you are!

Main problem has been our need for an alternative licensee approach as PTA licensee cannot make 2nd July. NJ is discussing with potential licensee and to potentially outsource the bar. A likely solution has been found.

CS sought funding to book Toilet Hire and Bouncy Castles of £1000. Toilets cost for 2 x toilets £200 + VAT. Can also use the Lodge Toilets. Lodge would require volunteers checking regularly for blockages, hygiene). Bouncy castles costs won’t be more than £760. Unanimous approval received (please refer Table 1 for voting record).

In discussion of toilets, given extra are always required for CF and SF, could a longer-term investment be made of additional permanent toilets near the Lodge.

Action 12: CS to flag question re toilets to CR/SS given their absence.

CS confirmed Batchelor Monkhouse are the sponsor and will have a Stand and run some fun activities.

CS updated on plans for a Summer Fete Programme to be published and presented to everyone who attends. Committee were shown examples from previous fetes which were really liked. Parent volunteer Helen Sanderson is leading marketing for the Fete and getting quotes. Potential to sell advertising space to parent and local businesses. Consider ticket price to inc.a Programme and some tokens.

e. Cinema Club – SW

Action 13: SW to look into and progress plans for summer term cinema club.

5. PTA Whats App Group – S O’M – proposed to set up a What’s App group for brief, urgent Committee comms. All agreed. S’OM to action. Also discussed setting up a What’s App group for Class Reps for similar reason.

Action 14: CS to contact class reps and set up group.

6. AOB

a. New Parent pack – CS has been asked by the school to review the pack which is out of date. Inc. second hand uniform details.

b. In discussion, suggestions were made for in person sales at new parent event on Thursday 16th June 2022. Also suggested at Summer Fete and at Sports Day and before switch to summer uniform.

Action 15: CS to confirm 2nd hand uniform date sales with school and finalise new parent packs.

c. Gift Aid – CS identified a concern that the PTA may not be maximising Gift Aid opportunities.

Action 16: BD to consider marketing around Gift Aid as part of his project on the covenance scheme, NJ to consider if can set up electronic forms for CS and Gift Aid through the website and to research Wix donation buttons for direct donations from the website. SF to investigate the process for claiming Gift Aid from CS/ direct debits, how we do it, how much it would raise and therefore if worth while to process them.

d. Gardening / Allotment – BD raised idea of whether there could be land made available on the school site for a small allotment which children could help maintain (via a possible Gardening Club) but managed via parent volunteers. PTA funds could be used to set everything up.

Action 17: BD to approach School in the first instance as not for PTA to decide.

e. World Book Day Costumes – BD raised idea of fundraising through recycling WBD outfits – e.g. seeking donations and selling in advance of WBD each year. Everyone very supportive; could also consider doing in advance of Halloween or other Fancy Dress school charity events (e.g. Children In Need).

f. Second Hand Sale – the above item prompted discussion on the potential of a Nearly New Sale (inc. good quality clothes, toys etc). A Car Boot was proposed which could be held on school field and families pay for a pitch to attend and they can retain the profits.

Action 20: CS to ask parents if any volunteers to run these above events and add dates to our calendar if so.

7. Next Meeting Date – Thursday 28th April 7.30pm.

Table 1 - RECORD OF ATTENDANCE & VOTING:

Available on request

APPROVAL OF MINUTES BY CHAIR OF MEETING:

SIGN: C Summers

DATE: 30/3/22

Claremont Easter Egg Hunt - all you need to know!

What and when is it?

The Claremont Easter Egg hunt is a much loved and fun activity for all of the children at Claremont School. It happens at school, within the school day and this year will be taking place on Friday 1st April.

How does it work?

At some point in the days running up to the Easter Egg hunt, the children will make their own Easter Egg basket (at school) which they personalise, decorate and most importantly, put their name on!

On the morning of Friday 1st April the baskets will be collected from each class and given to a team of PTA volunteers who fill the baskets with chocolate goodies.

In the afternoon, the PTA volunteers will hide the baskets, two classes at a time, in one of the two school fields. The classes will be bought out to the school fields where the children are then able to hunt for their own basket! Classes will be paired (e.g. Yr 6 with Yr R) so that the older children can help the younger ones.

Lastly, to make the event even more special, the Easter Bunny will be visiting to say hello and spread Easter joy to all!

What can parents/guardians do to help make this happen?

There are two ways you can help:

1. Please donate if you can:

The format of the Claremont Easter Egg hunt has changed. The PTA are now sourcing all chocolate treats (yes, that’s right - we are buying about 4,000 chocolate treats up front!) and are no longer seeking chocolate donations from parents. The reason for the change in format is to enable the PTA to monitor food allergens more easily within the chocolate and to ensure all children have the same content in their baskets. The exception to this is children with allergies (please see below).

Children do not need to bring cash in on the day and it is an inclusive event so all children will participate. However, if you can donate (we suggest £4 per child) to support the PTA in being able to put on this event, cover the upfront costs and help raise money for the school, then there are 3 ways you can do so through:

• Localgiving - where you can also gift aid your donation

• The events page on this website

• TEXT: CLAREMONT 4 to 70085 to donate £4 (or CLAREMONT 8 for £8, etc, up to £20).

2. Volunteer to help on the day:

If you’re available on Friday 1st April to help sort the chocolates (yep, all 4,000 of them!), fill the baskets & hide the baskets, please email us.

What if my child has a food allergy?

The chocolate purchased contains milk, soya and egg. Whilst the chocolate purchased won’t specifically contain nuts, the items may also contain traces of peanuts, nuts and wheat.

If your child has an allergy to any of these please can you donate specific sweets for your child in a bag CLEARLY LABELLED with the child’s full name and class name. Please hand this either to the class teacher or school office by Thursday 31st March. We have included some photos in this blog of what the chocolate basket contents will be if you want to know what to aim for.

As an additional precaution, all children will be instructed not to eat the chocolate treats until after school, and only once they have parental permission.

Will all children be able to participate?

Yes, if your child is in school on Friday 1st April they can participate. No child will be excluded regardless of donations received. It is an inclusive and seasonal fun event for ALL Claremont School children and all donations are optional (but much appreciated if you’re able to!).

What are you doing to minimise the risk of Covid transmission?

As with every PTA event, we have to conduct a Health and Safety risk assessment. To minimise the risk of covid transmission during the Easter Egg hunt we are:

- Asking the PTA volunteers to take a lateral flow test on the morning of the event and only attend if it is negative. They also have the option to wear a mask, and to bring and regularly use hand sanitiser.

- The library doors and windows (where volunteers will be sorting the eggs/baskets) will be kept open to maximise ventilation.

- Ensure all the usual good hygiene practices are encouraged as a matter of course.

Thank you for your support!