Schools raise thousands for this year’s Children in Need appeal
Schools across the GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust in Surrey came together to raise money for this year’s Children in Need appeal, which took place on Friday 15 November.
Pudsey wasn’t the only bear around at Danetree Primary School in West Ewell as the school held a competition for children to guess the name of a teddy.
There was also a contest to guess the number of objects in a jar, and the children enjoyed a non-uniform day, with the school hoping to have raised around £800 for the charity.
“Events like this are very important to support teaching children about the importance of charities – what they are, and how each one helps different members of our society in need,” said Reception Class Teacher Tracy Willemse.
Meanwhile Salfords Primary School near Redhill hoped to raise £400 through a Pyjama Day, with children and staff alike arriving dressed for bed.
“Salfords enjoys supporting Children in Need every year, as it is an amazing charity that supports children and families in difficult times,” said Headteacher Claire Regnard.
And staff and children at The Vale Primary School near Epsom were sporting spotty outfits in aid of Children in Need.
Other fundraising activities included a coin trail and a raffle to win two Pudsey Bear teddies with the school hoping to have raised over £500 for the cause.
“The whole school took part in the day,” said Co-Headteacher Cathy Browne. “Events like this are very important to the school, as we prepare children as active and empathic citizens in society and our local community.”
There was a festive air at Warren Mead School in Banstead when staff and children celebrated Children in Need.
“The theme for this year was ‘Make Life Lighter’, encouraging students and staff alike to dress up in vibrant, fun-themed outfits, inspired by disco, rock ‘n’ roll, festival attire, or the beloved Pudsey Bear himself,” said Assistant Headteacher Jess Moylan.
Activities included a ‘fizzy drinking challenge’, a Pudsey Maths Challenge, a treasure hunt, a disco, and an after-school fun run.
“Warren Mead aimed to raise £500 this year for Children in Need, building on the success of previous years where amounts upwards of £400 had been collected,” added Mrs Moylan.
At Whyteleafe Primary School, Spiderman and Batman joined other supernatural crusaders to raise money for the cause, when children came dressed as their favourite superheroes or in spots or stripes for the day.
Other activities at the school included a cake sale and a ‘Guess the Name of the Bear’ competition.
“As a school, we try to celebrate all charity events that we can – particularly ones involving children,” said Headteacher Kelly Hunt.
At Hillcroft Primary School in Caterham, children swapped their school uniforms for spotty outfits, onesies and Pudsey Bear costumes.
More than 400 children took part across the school while many members of staff also donned spotty attire for the occasion.
“Last year we raised £324, so we hope to have surpassed that total,” said Assistant Headteacher Carly Gear. “Events like this are crucial to raising awareness of charities, and bring our community together to do something good for others.
"We have lots of fun, and the children demonstrate one of our school's strong values: awareness of others.”