The Friends of Bettridge (F.O.B) was established in 1975 to advance the education of the children attending the school, by providing and assisting in the provision of facilities for education at the school, not normally provided by the Local Authority. F.O.B is the Bettridge School Parent Teachers Association made up of staff and parents/carers
The Association aims to
foster more extended relationships between staff, parents and others associated with the school and
engage in activities which support the school and advance the education of the children attending it.
Every half term the F.O.B. Committee attends a meeting to work together to organise social and recreational events for parents, children and staff and has provided numerous items of equipment and financial help with major purchases. The Friends group have been responsible for the purchase of the school’s two minibuses. In recent years it has funded the provision of a soft play room and a multi-sensory room. Its most recent project has been the complete refurbishment of the outside play areas including the Sensory Garden opened in June 2002. A major appeal for refurbishment of the swimming pool has raised £250,000 which is now going toward the rebuild commencing in 2008.
One of the most valuable contributions made by the F.O.B. is the organisation annually of a playscheme during the long summer vacation. This usually runs for three weeks in school and is organised by paid play leaders supported by voluntary helpers. The scheme is financed by the fund raising efforts of the F.O.B. Other Regular events that F.O.B help run are Christmas and summer fairs, summer barbeque and spring plant sales. F.O.B also raise funds for Christmas and educational entertainments for the children.
Whilst it may not be possible to make the playscheme available to all children due to the child’s specific needs, efforts are made to include as many pupils as possible. A wide variety of trips and activities is provided to suit all age groups and abilities.
Information about the F.O.B. is sent out automatically to parents, however contact may be made with the F.O.B. Secretary, Becky Friis or the Chairman, Angela Taylor, via Bettridge School at any time on 01242 514934. Please feel free to contact us on how to get involved or come along to one of our meetings. (Listed under Friends of Bettridge's News and in the school Calendar).
