What is Ditchling FPTA? 

Ditchling Friends, Parents and Teachers Association (FPTA) is a friendly group of parents and teachers, which meets regularly to organise a programme of fun events for pupils each year and to raise funds for the school. We raise about £20,000 annually. The money we raise goes towards equipment and opportunities to support the learning and development of all pupils, which the school could not otherwise afford.

Who are we?

All parents are automatically members of the FPTA community. Anyone can join the committee, which makes plans and decisions on behalf of the members. Trustees are appointed annually at the AGM: our current trustees are Andrew Ash (Chair), Jen McDowell, Ruth Knowles (Secretary), Camila Lewis (Treasurer), Sarah Piper and Frankie Linstead.

Class Reps 2026 – 2027

• Nursery – tbc
• Reception – Sarah Piper & Laura Kershaw
• Year 1 – Laura George & Julia Tullett
• Year 2- Katie Young And Harriet Beacroft
• Year 3 – Iona Cull and Tash Carlisle
• Year 4 – Sian Fforde & Helen Kenner
• Year 5 – Helena Smith and Rhiane Davis
• Year 6 – Eilidh Ardagh and Jen Fellows

What do we do?

As well as running a packed calendar of fundraising events annually, we also raise money through grant applications and other activities outlined below. 

How you can get involved

There are many ways you can get involved and support the FPTA, large or small, on a regular or ad hoc basis. 

• Join the FPTA Committee

A great way to get to know other parents, help shape school life and expand opportunities for your children and all Ditchling pupils.

• Volunteer to organise a one-off event

Organise a one-off event, even if you don’t wish to be part of the FPTA Committee. This might be one of our regular events, or a completely new idea. In 2021, a parent organised a ‘Loopy Lap-a-thon’ which raised more than £2,500 for school, and has continued annually since.

• Regular giving or one off donations

A straightforward way to help, especially if you cannot commit to helping out at events or baking cakes! You may wish to make a one-off donation or set up a regular monthly donation by standing order here. No amount is too small.

• Cashback schemes

Ditchling FPTA is registered with the cashback schemes AmazonSmile and EasyFundraising. Both donate a percentage of any purchase you make to the FPTA – at ZERO cost to you and minimal effort. This is the easiest way you can support us 24/7 365 days a year. Please find instructions about how to use these sites here and here.

• Matched giving

Many firms such as banks, law firms and insurance companies offer ‘matched giving’ or ‘match funding’ schemes. This means an employee can apply for funding to match the amount raised by fundraising events which they are involved with – usually with few strings attached. Please let us know if your employer offers match funding. You can find more information here and a template email to send to your employer here.

• Purchase items for your class via our Amazon Wishlists

Each year group has an Amazon Wishlist on Amazon that is updated regularly by their teacher (see links below). A direct way of ensuring your class has the items it needs. 

To get in touch, send us feedback or new ideas, or to volunteer, please email ditchlingfpta@gmail.com. Thank you for your support.