The PTA "Friends of Sunny Bank Primary School" are raising £15,000 as part payment towards a minibus for the children at Sunny Bank. The school's application to the Sunshine Variety Coach Charity for a minibus has been successful. As part of the process we need to raise part of the money towards the cost of the coach.

To raise our £15,000, part contribution we are going to be using lots of strategies, not limited to, but including money raised by our PTA. I know that as a community group we will be able to achieve our goal.

We are potentially also looking for larger donations from sponsors that could benefit from advertising on our new bus. Contact can be made through the details on our school website https://www.sunnybank.kent.sch.uk/

Why the need for the minibus?

We want our children to have very best experiences from their education and whilst we try to provide this through existing funding, the cost of coach travel and train travel is continuously rising.

As part of our community spirit week, our children go out into the local community, litter picking, clearing overgrown areas, delivering donated food to the local foodbank and donating cards for the local Demelza charity shop to sell. Due to lack of transport options, it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide these opportunities to substantial numbers of children.

We have a 30 strong choir, children who are developing a love of music and happiness through performance. The school is at the heart of its community and each year in the run up to Christmas they gather at the local shopping centre to sing Christmas Carols (giving back to their community) however it is becoming more and more difficult to find suitable transport arrangements. Last year we had to cancel a choir trip to a care home due to lack of transport.

It is important that our children have access to high quality physical education, experience a wide range of sports and participate in competitions. Last year we were able to participate in some football tournaments, girls football and a games competition for children with disabilities and SEN, however there were lots of sports competitions and experiences that we were unable to attend due to difficulties with transport costs.

We are very fortunate to be eligible for the Variety Club Coach Scheme and this is an exciting venture that we are embarking on as a community to raise funds to improve the experiences and lives of our children. All support and donations are much appreciated and will receive credit in communications that the school produces informing stakeholders of our progress. If you are a business and would like to discuss larger donations and other ways that you could help please contact the school through the details on our school website. https://www.sunnybank.kent.sch.uk/