Skip to main content

THE FRIENDS OF WESTERN DOWNLAND

Who are the Friends?

The Friends of Western Downland is a registered charity that exists to raise funds for enrichment opportunities for children at Western Downland Primary School. We work closely with the school to identify where financial support will make the biggest difference, helping to provide the activities, equipment and resources that enhance learning and make school life more exciting.

Our Impact Last Year

Thanks to the generosity of parents, carers and the local community, the Friends of Western Downland funded over £17,000 worth of enrichment activities for pupils.

Here are some of the projects and resources your support made possible in 2024-2025:

  •      Plants to improve the school sites – £48.67
  •      Science Dome experience – £1,040
  •      Glebe Project (outdoor classroom at Damerham) – £3,860.07
  •      Contribution to Rockbourne accessible garden – £1,000
  •      Laptops – £2,950
  •      Class trips – £2,450
  •      Air conditioning units – £1,232.49
  •      Smartboard for Year R – £1,500
  •      Forest Forge “Suitcase Stories” workshop – £250
  •      Class grants – £1,200
  •      Year 6 SATs breakfasts – £50
  •      Year 6 leavers’ books – £45
  •      iPads for the infant site – £1,060
  •      Playground toys – £200
  •      Play equipment maintenance – £399

This funding was only possible because of the continued support of our school community.

Our Fundraising Target for 2025-26

Funds are raised mainly through events, raffles and grants, with an option for direct donations via standing order for those who wish to donate directly. We are also registered with Easy Fundraising (www.easyfundraising.org.uk) so please consider supporting us when making online purchases – it makes a big impact.

Because we are a small charity, we use wonderful.org to collect our online donations and Gift Aid. They will keep your details safe and not pass them on to anyone but us, unless you have opted to remain anonymous.

This year, the Friends of Western Downland PTA has set a fundraising target of £15,000. These funds will provide the extras that school budgets cannot always cover, ensuring that children have access to enriching opportunities.

In 2025/26, your support will help fund:

  •      Science Dome experience
  •      New library books
  •      Playground equipment
  •      Contributions towards class trips
  •      Plants for the school sites
  •      Year 6 SATs breakfasts
  •      Year 6 leavers’ books
  •      Writing workshop
  •      Class grants (allocated to teachers for classroom needs)
  •      Ludos Project – maintenance work on the outdoor classroom at Rockbourne

Without these additional funds, some of these activities and resources would not be possible.

Get involved

There are many ways you can support the Friends of Western Downland:

Every contribution of time, money or support helps us make a real difference for the children of Western Downland Primary School.