About Us

What is FOAKS?
We are so much more than your average Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Friends Of Ab Kettleby School (FOAKS), provides a strong link between parents, the school, and the wider community, and our key aims are to ensure a happy and stimulating environment for the children who attend. Our fundraising goals are very much driven by a focus on providing the children and the school with additional resources, experiences and facilities, through our fun activities and events.

How is FOAKS organised?
FOAKS is made up of the parents and carers of children who attend Ab Kettleby Primary School, united in a common goal of being ‘Small But Mighty’ and each year, we achieve great things together. We meet regularly to discuss ideas for fundraising through various activities and events, and the commitment and involvement from parents across all year groups, is second to none. Our events not only help to raise money for use by the school, but also provide an opportunity for parents, staff, pupils and the local community to get together. We very much welcome new members who can contribute in any way, so please do get in touch. 

As a registered charity, we provide governance in the form of a formal Committee and the current members are:
Chairperson:           Ashleigh Kerr
Vice Chairperson:  Karen Carroll
Secretary:               Jessica Walton
Treasurer:               Helen Lowe

How does FOAKS raise money?
Our money is raised through a variety of fundraising activities that are fun for both children and adults. These consist of school events such as school discos, Easter bingo, breakfast with Santa, ice cream and refreshments after school on a Friday, as well as a hugely successful weekly cake club. Creative evenings like Paint Club and wreath making have proved popular amongst adults over the past year and new ideas are always being circulated to ensure fun and fresh ways of raising funds are being put into place. The largest event, the Summer Fair, is for the wider community and has built year-on-year, becoming the most successful fundraising opportunity for FOAKS.  FOAKS takes part in Easy Fundraising, Bags2School and more recently the ASDA 'Cashpot for School' scheme, which also help to top up the income.

How is the money spent?
The funds raised by FOAKS pay for ‘extras’ for the school and children, outside the school’s main budget. Over the past two years, thanks to the generosity of parents, families and the local community, FOAKs have been able to fundraise for, and complete, two large ‘Hero’ projects. These include the outdoor classroom and the extended shelter and fence for the early years room. Other funds have gone to new starter book-bags, buses for whole school outings and Christmas gifts. The next projects are in the planning and include bookshelves for the recently improved library. The next ‘Hero’ project is just being discussed, but all ideas are welcome.

How can I get involved?
We warmly welcome new members and the FOAKS Facebook page is a great way to keep informed about upcoming events, see new photos and other information.

We also have a WhatsApp group called ‘FOAKS Little Helpers’ and it is a great way to keep up to date with the latest news, and keep abreast of what’s coming up, or to offer your help with events, etc. To be added to the WhatsApp group, please contact a committee member.