Friends of Sherfield

Friends of Sherfield (FoS) is an integral part of the school community and have raised thousands of pounds for equipment and resources to enhance our children’s educational experience, the school’s facilities and for the charities chosen by the parents. However, FoS is about much more than simply fundraising.

FoS exists to provide closer links and communication between home and school, via Parent Liaisons for each year group/class. It is an excellent way to bring staff, parents and friends together socially in support of the school, working towards a common goal.

It is fun too - just ask any of the Committee members or FoS helpers - and with the continued support of parents and staff, FoS continues to succeed in its efforts. We encourage parents and members of the school community to get involved, even if they only have a small amount of time available. Full membership is open to all parents and guardians of children enrolled at the school.

FoS is extremely conscious of the ethos and diversity of the school, and tries very hard when organising and planning events to respect this.  Not all of our events are run as fundraisers. FoS also helps at events, such as Sports Day and the Bonfire Spectacular to name but a few, with the aim of giving the children a good time and as a way of thanking families for their continued support to FoS. Other events organised over the years have included Charity Balls, Quiz Nights, Christmas Markets, Pamper Evenings, Family Fun days, plus various coffee and cake mornings.

If you want to know more about FoS, connect to their Facebook group.

Getting Involved

Events are always more successful with the support of the parent community. volunteering to help at the bar on Fireworks Night, decorating the school for Christmas, donating or buying pre-loved uniform from the FoS shop, or manning a stall for an hour at the Family Fun Day are all ways to get involved. There’s always a FoS committee member to show you the ropes and it’s a great way to meet more parents, not to mention being good fun.  Even an hour of your time can make such a difference.

Please keep an eye out for the sign up link that is sent out before each event. If every parent could find some time to sign up for just one hour a year FoS would have all the support it needs.

Friends of Sherfield is always looking for parents to join its committee. No experience is necessary but we ask that you give up time to attend some meetings, share ideas and be present at as many events as possible.  Please get in touch if you’d like to join or just chat about what we do.

If you have ideas for future events or activities or have feedback that could improve what we do please share via info@friendsofsherfield.org.

Parent Liaison representatives

Each year and/ or tutor group has a Parent Liaison representative whose primary role is to ensure that new parents and carers are welcomed into the school community and attempt to answer any day-to-day questions that may arise.  In addition, they provide clear and effective communication to ensure that parents are aware of relevant school events and activities.

Questions regarding educational matters should be addressed to the relevant class teacher or head of year.

If you are interested in becoming a Parent Liaison for your year or tutor group, please email info@friendsofsherfield.org

Fundraising

FoS is a registered charity which organises events and activities for the benefit of the school, parents and the local community.  FoS supports the children’s enrichment and educational advancement, provides parents’ support, and strengthens relations with local community organisations.

Fundraising is mostly by hosting events that all are welcome to attend.  Examples of past and future events can be found elsewhere on this website.

Current projects include:

Sherfield Kitchen Garden

Starting in 2023, creating a Kitchen Garden giving the opportunity to provide pupils with the opportunity to start or develop a love for gardening and healthy eating and encourage sustainability by growing produce for the school

Astrobiology Club

Enthusiastically championed by students and staff, the club will combine planetary and moon observations to support astrophotography, discussion and debate.

Completed projects include:

The provision of new professional-grade gym equipment to support the refurbishment of the school gymnasium.

The provision of furniture and decor for the Student Wellbeing Centre

An Outdoor Classroom to allow lessons to take place in the beautiful school grounds whilst being protected by the weather.

The Purchase of professional grade 3D printers for the DT department

…and donations to Macmillan Cancer Support and the DEC Ukraine appeal through surplus funds generated by designated events.

2023 – 2024 Charitable Contributions

£4,656.00
Garden Kitchen Project.

£3,832.64
Sixth Form: make-over facilities.
 

£2,325.32
3D Printers and accessories to support STEM learning.

£2,762.94
Astrobiology: Telescope & lenses.

£1,560.59
Music: Studio Recording equipment.

£392.77
Student Proms – Hosting and Mocktails.

£261.48
Drama: Little Shop of Horrors – Actors after party.

-and more-

The Parents’ Café is located in Buckfield House and is open from 8.30am to 5.45pm. You are welcome to come along to enjoy complimentary refreshments and WiFi. Sherfield pupils are not allowed into the Parents’ Café. Visitors who have children not attending Sherfield may bring them into the Parents’ Café, but must supervise them at all times.

Please contact info@sherfieldschool.co.uk for more information. 

2024 – Friends of Sherfield – https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4026575/trustees