How Are Parents Using Art to Fundraise for Schools?

As school term approaches, head teacher Will Reeves is leading efforts to improve facilities at Cropredy Primary School, highlighting challenges posed by tight budgets. With the support of parents and the EPA Trust, Reeves has undertaken DIY projects to enhance the school's environment. The Department for Education announced an increase in funding for schools, but concerns remain about rising costs outpacing financial support, prompting schools to rely on community involvement for maintenance.

Last updated: 22 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Cropredy Primary School's head teacher is engaging the community to assist with facility improvements.
• Oxfordshire schools will see a funding increase of £11.7 million for 2025-26.
• Schools face rising costs, which could lead to difficult decisions regarding maintenance and resources.
• Community involvement is essential in addressing funding gaps and improving educational environments.
• The Department for Education plans significant investments in school rebuilding and maintenance.

The Current State of School Funding

With the new school term approaching, head teacher Will Reeves has been busy improving the facilities at Cropredy Primary School, located near Banbury in Oxfordshire. The school has seen better days, and Reeves, along with the help of parents from the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), has taken on various DIY tasks to enhance the school's environment. The need for such initiatives underlines the ongoing challenges faced by schools in the UK due to budget constraints.

Funding Overview

The Department for Education has announced that Oxfordshire will receive £549.6 million for mainstream schools in the 2025-26 academic year, marking an increase of £11.7 million compared to the previous year. Despite this increase, schools like Cropredy Primary are struggling to keep up with rising operational costs.

The Role of the EPA Trust

Cropredy C of E Primary School was transferred from Oxfordshire County Council to the EPA Trust in January 2024. This transition has brought new opportunities for funding major projects, such as the rebuilding of the school's deteriorating early years facilities. However, as Reeves explains, smaller maintenance tasks—like cleaning gutters or fixing ceilings—are often left to the school community, as they are not covered by the trust's budget.

Community Engagement in School Maintenance

Reeves emphasises the importance of community involvement, stating, "In an ideal world, you always want a little bit more." The collaborative efforts between the school and parents have fostered a sense of unity and purpose. Louise Shore, chair of the PTA, notes that projects like painting and fundraising have contributed to stronger ties within the community. She states, "It's nice to be able to get everyone together to help improve the school." This sentiment highlights the positive outcomes of community participation, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Challenges and Future Outlook

The financial landscape for schools is complex. A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) published in January indicated that costs are expected to outpace funding for schools in 2025-26, with projections estimating a rise of 3.6% in operational expenses. This situation raises serious concerns for many institutions, forcing them to make tough decisions regarding their budgets.

Specific Needs in Other Schools

Other schools in Oxfordshire are similarly affected. For instance, Clare Walker, chair of the PTA at Crowmarsh Gifford Primary School, has initiated a fundraising campaign for new laptops. The school currently has only 15 laptops available for over 200 students, making it impossible for every child to have access to essential technology. Walker argues that adequate access to laptops is "fundamental" to children’s education, stating, "We feel if we [as parents] can contribute to children's environment, as well as their education, it's really important we're able to do so."

Government Response and Future Investments

In response to these concerns, an Oxfordshire County Council spokesperson explained that the school condition allocation (SCA) from central government is primarily intended for "reactive maintenance." They noted the challenges of maintaining a consistent maintenance programme due to the annual nature of funding. This often leads schools to rely on their own resources for ongoing maintenance, such as painting and IT upgrades.

Government Investment Plans

Despite the challenges, the Department for Education has committed to investing nearly £3 billion per year until 2034-35 to improve school buildings. This funding is in addition to the near £20 billion allocated for the School Rebuilding Programme, which aims to deliver significant rebuilding projects at over 750 schools across England. Furthermore, an additional £3.7 billion will be injected into school budgets, with an increased pupil premium exceeding £3 billion set for 2025-26 to support those children who need it the most.

Conclusion

The situation at Cropredy Primary School, along with similar schools across the UK, illustrates the pressing challenges faced in educational funding. While government initiatives aim to address infrastructure needs, the reality of rising costs and dependency on community support cannot be overlooked. As schools continue to adapt, the role of parents and local communities becomes increasingly vital in ensuring that children receive the quality education they deserve. How will schools balance their immediate needs with the long-term sustainability of educational funding?

#EducationFunding #CommunitySupport #SchoolMaintenance

FAQs

What is the EPA Trust?

The EPA Trust is an educational trust that oversees multiple schools, providing support and funding for major projects aimed at improving school facilities and resources.

How much funding is Oxfordshire receiving for schools in 2025-26?

Oxfordshire will receive £549.6 million for mainstream schools in the 2025-26 academic year, which is an increase of £11.7 million from the previous year.

What are the main challenges facing schools in Oxfordshire?

Schools are facing challenges such as rising operational costs that are projected to outpace funding, leading to tough decisions regarding maintenance and resources.

How can parents contribute to school improvements?

Parents can contribute by volunteering for maintenance projects, fundraising for resources, and participating in PTA activities that support school initiatives.

Why is access to technology important in schools?

Access to technology, such as laptops, is essential for students' education as it enables them to engage with digital learning resources and prepares them for a technology-driven world.