Why take on the challenge?

Like most schools, the national funding crisis is having an impact on the resources and opportunities available to our pupils. St James’s C of E Primary School PTFA, a registered charity run by volunteers, exists to raise money to support the school and advance the education of the pupils, by providing facilities and equipment.

As well as responding to funding requests for experiences to enrich the children's education, basic resources, books and play equipment, our PTFA has been asked to help with something rather important – toilets!

Everyone uses them, no one wants to talk about them – until they stop working, smell funny, or look like they’ve time-travelled from 1973.

At St James’s CE Primary School, we believe our pupils deserve more than just “functioning” toilets. They deserve safe, clean, modern spaces that support their health, dignity, and well-being. With 420 young learners, and a unique OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) provision that means all children share the same toilet block at lunchtimes, our facilities are under constant demand.

Research shows that toilet quality directly impacts children’s mental health, concentration, and attendance. When pupils avoid using the toilet all day, it affects their physical comfort, their learning – and let’s face it, their mood.

Right now, our toilets are:

· Outdated, with worn fittings and poor ventilation

· Not designed for the high footfall of our OPAL play times

· Less inviting than the local bus station (and that’s putting it kindly)

We’re not aiming for gold-plated taps or piped-in music – just a bright, clean, well-ventilated, and modern facility that children feel comfortable and safe using.

Who's in our team?

Our fearless firewalking TEACHERS & SCHOOL STAFF:

Lee Salton-McLaughlin - Chair of Governors

Mrs Chilton

Mrs Phillips

Our heroic firewalking PARENTS, CARERS & FRIENDS:

Kate Porter - PTFA Chair

Reverend Diana Farmer - St James's Parish Church, Wollaston

Councillor Andrew Tromans

Abbi Cartwright

Katy Hill

Stijn De Voogd

Kate Downing

Katie Allen

Martin Cunningham

Sophie Gilbert

Josie Partridge

Elena Zadryboroda

Alex Sutton

Nathan Power

Alexandra Breese

Emma Crowder

Gareth Preston

Neil Saunders

Julie Frendo

Anything Else?

While the Fire Walkers need to be 18+, our young people will still be getting involved and doing their bit, taking on the LEGO Walk if they dare, and cheering on their inspirational grown ups.

Please get behind Team Fire Walk and Team LEGO Walk by donating to our fundraising page today.