Dear Dorchester Families

Voluntary School Fund – Supporting Enriched Learning

Each term we invite families to contribute £20 per child to our voluntary school fund. We want to be very clear from the outset that this contribution is entirely voluntary, and no child will ever be excluded from any activity because of a family’s unwillingness or inability to pay.

So why do we ask?

The voluntary school fund allows us to provide the extras that make learning memorable and exciting, but which the core school budget simply can’t stretch to. This term, for example, we are planning a Science Week and a range of Design and Technology projects. Contributions to the fund mean we can resource these properly — with high-quality materials, hands-on experiences and engaging activities that really benefit the children.

School budgets are currently under significant pressure. Alongside rising costs, a reduced birth rate and falling pupil numbers mean less funding is coming into schools overall. This has a direct impact on what we are able to offer unless additional support is available. While we will always do our very best for every child, without sufficient contributions we are simply unable to provide the same breadth and quality of experiences.

If you are able to contribute, please don’t assume that others will, or put it off until later. Early payments help us to plan confidently and ensure that resources and activities can be secured in good time.

We would also like to remind families about the importance of paying promptly for school trips. Many trips must be confirmed — or cancelled — well in advance of the visit date if we have not received enough payments by the provider’s deadline. As school finances become tighter, this becomes increasingly unavoidable.

We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our families. If you are able to contribute to the voluntary fund this term, it truly does make a difference — and if you are not, please be assured that your child will continue to be fully included in all school activities.

Payments can be made via School Gateway.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Have a lovely weekend.

Cathy Bell
Headteacher