Why are we asking for your help now?
Our governors, ably supported by our fantastic admin team, have worked so hard with increasingly tight budgets in recent years to reduce costs, seek additional revenue and make financial efficiencies.
However, various factors have conspired to mean that we now face a budget deficit which is likely to increase significantly over the coming years.
- Reduced central government funding for us as for all inner London schools;
- Increases in staffing costs: pay increases, increased pension costs and significant back payments for support staff pensions;
- A reduction in our funding for deprivation, reflecting the changing demographic of our school in recent years;
- A reduction in funding for pupils with special needs.
Obviously we agree with pay increases for hard-working staff and with the principle of more money going to those schools who face greater challenges. But, as you know, there is a national issue with regard to the overall level of schools funding in particular and for public services more generally.
Help our children continue to enjoy the rich and broad curriculum that this school offers
Our position
We want to continue to offer an extensive programme of curriculum enrichment for our pupils, including:
- Three trips or workshops per class, per term
- High quality residential trips for our pupils in Key Stage 2 which enhance their learning
- Swimming lessons for children from years 1 to 6
- Our fabulous artist in residence to work with children across all year groups
All of these cost us more than the funding we receive from suggested trip donations and government funding.
Help our children continue to enjoy the rich and broad curriculum that this school offers
FAQs
Will the staff know if I donate?
No. All donations will be anonymous and will in no way affect your child’s experience of school.
Can I just do a one off donation?
Yes. Once you click our Keep It EP logo, it will take you to the donation page and there is a clear choice between on-going and one-off donations.
I can’t afford to donate. Can I help in other ways?
Yes please!
Could your company offer match funding?
Can you help out at a school fund-raising event?
Can you offer services for our silent auction at the Summer Fair?
Can you help with small maintenance jobs at school?
Can parents pay salaries?
No. It is the responsibility of the government and the school leadership/governing body to ensure that core curriculum related salaries are paid for and that a balanced budget is returned. Parents cannot and should not be responsible for on-going salary costs. However we cannot guarantee that our enrichment provision in music, art and sport can be maintained.
Does this mean you won’t ask for trip donations anymore?
Sadly no. The voluntary trip donation we ask for annually only goes part-way to funding our trips programme. The school currently puts an additional £6,000 towards this rich and ambitious programme.
What more can I do?
Write to your MP and take every opportunity to pressure this government to funds its schools properly.
