Broadwater Day
As part of our function as a ‘voluntary aided’ school the Governors are responsible for paying at least 10% of the cost of maintenance and improvement works to the school buildings.
The Governors now have the custom of approaching parents for annual giving, which takes the form of a day early in the school year known as ‘Broadwater Day’.
How has Broadwater Day already helped the school?
The school has a tremendous legacy of ‘giving’ from the parent body, which has enabled a significant ICT infrastructure to be replaced and the complete refurbishment of the Wrap Around Care facility.
Last year, Broadwater Day 2022, raised in excess of £10,000 (including Gift Aid). Thank you to everyone for their much appreciated generosity.
What is different about a church school?
When the present system of state education was set up in 1944 there was already an established system of church schools in the country. These were incorporated into the state system but, in return for control over such matters as religious education and the appointment of staff, they agreed to accept financial responsibility for their buildings – hence the term ‘voluntary aided’. The Governors exercise this responsibility.
How is Broadwater financed?
Broadly speaking the school expenditure falls into one of three groups:
1. General running costs
Each April the school receives a budget from West Sussex County Council (the LA – Local Authority) to cover the running costs of the school, for example, salaries, equipment, administration. Governors have responsibility for allocating the budget to the various needs and for ensuring that actual expenditure stays within the budget. Governors are also responsible for maintaining and improving the school premises.
2. Bought-in services
These are self-financing services offered at the school such as school meals and extra music tuition. The cost of these services is borne by those who use them.
3. Voluntary aided responsibilities
Because we are a voluntary aided school, central government and the Local Authority do not fund all aspects of the school expenditure. The school Governors are responsible for paying 10% of the cost of maintenance and improvement works to the school buildings, except for minor works, which are funded from the school allocated budget by the Local Authority.
The only voluntary contributions received by the school are from lettings, the church and any private donations.
