Building Fund

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope."
— Jeremiah 29:11

Partnering Together for a Brighter Future for Our Children

We are incredibly proud of our school and the learning environment we provide. However, as a Voluntary Aided Catholic school, we do not receive Government funding like other schools. This means we rely on the financial support of our parents for each of their children to ensure we can continue to provide excellent teaching in the very best environment.

By accepting a place at our school, you agreed to contribute to the School’s Building Fund each year. These contributions apply for all seven years your child is with us at SJB.

We are truly appreciative of every contribution to the school’s Building Fund. Additionally, by allowing us to claim Gift Aid on your contribution, the school gains an extra 25p for every £1 donated at no extra cost to you. This provides a vital boost to the school’s funds and does not affect your tax allowance in any way.

How Your Contributions Are Used

Your donations to the Building Fund have already made many improvements possible, including:

• Improved security: Vehicle and pedestrian access upgrades with electric gates and a buzzer system.
• The Serenity Room: A multi-use space for worship, parent meetings, lessons, after-school clubs, and intervention groups.
• Playground upgrades: Levelling, resurfacing, and new markings to enhance playtimes, PE, and active play.
• Care Suite: Accessibility improvements with a shower, hoist, and adjustable changing table.
• Perimeter fencing: Enhanced safety with large green fences, reducing vandalism and ensuring secure grounds.
• Kitchen ventilation: Upgraded systems to comply with Health and Safety regulations and improve staff working conditions.
• Access ramp: Improved accessibility to school buildings.
• Drainage repairs: Prevented playground flooding to maintain safe outdoor spaces.
• Outdoor learning enhancements: Installation of all-weather flooring and a canopy to support Year 3 and 4 outdoor learning.

Ongoing and Future Projects

A recent roof survey identified extensive repairs and replacements needed to extend the building’s lifespan. While the first stage of this work has been completed, stage two requires significant investment for roof replacements and other essential improvements.

Additional future projects include:

• Creating a covered outdoor seating area for breaks and lunchtimes.
• Refurbishing the children’s toilets to improve hygiene and comfort.
• Planting natural privacy screening along the KS2 field to enhance security and aesthetics.
• Ongoing building upgrades to meet Health and Safety and Accessibility requirements.

How You Can Help

We kindly ask parents to contribute £12 per term per child—£36 annually. Contributions can be made as a one-time payment or over 12 months by standing order at £3 per month per child. If you cannot contribute the full amount, any donation is greatly appreciated.

Please note: Donations cannot be made via the school’s online payment system, as this fund is held in a separate bank account. Bank details are provided on the attached Standing Order form.

Thank You

We are deeply grateful to all our parents, past and present, for their generous support. Together, we can ensure our school continues to thrive and provide an exceptional environment for learning and growth.