CTSF/Bet Sefer

A warm welcome to all the prospective parents who are thinking of applying to send your child(ren) to Clore Tikva school. The education they will start receiving at Clore Tikva is special in many was, none more so than the Jewish Education that is such an integral part of the curricula and ethos of the school.

Many exciting and fun ways of Jewish life are regularly incorporated into the daily teaching schedule: from making ‘Cholla’ to making a Seder; learning and speaking Ivrit; taking part in ‘Shabbatons’ and concerts; to celebrating festivals throughout the year.

Unfortunately these areas (and some others including all our security arrangements) are not funded by the Local Education Authority or the Department of Education & Skills. Therefore we rely on donations, in particular parental contributions, to ensure that these wonderful core services are funded.

The Clore Tikva School Foundation (formerly known as Bet Sefer Ltd) was initially set up to plan, fundraise and build the school from the original idea and community vision. Now the school is at full capacity and thriving, the Foundation’s main role focuses on the collection of parental contributions and passing them onto the school.

These contributions are absolutely vital and without adequate donations, a substantial financial deficit will occur. This will directly affect the proper running of all the aforementioned special lifestyle and Jewish events within the curriculum. Other needs such as ongoing building and maintenance work plus our security arrangements would also be adversely affected.

As a parent considering Clore Tikva as your child’s school, we sincerely hope you will join us by supporting our continued work and making parental contributions. If your child(ren) are fortunate to have grandparents involved in their life, why not see if they wish to help in the contributions? Grandparents love to support their grandchildren with treats and gifts, ‘Chanukah Gelt’ etc. Why not as part of their developing Jewish Education?

The current schedule of parental support / contribution can be found on the reverse of this letter. We are proud of the fact that we have one of the lowest tariffs amongst U.K based Jewish Schools and can only continue to keep our tariff low if everyone contributes.

We are also fully aware that some may find themselves in financial circumstances which might make it difficult to fully contribute. We are very sympathetic to these problems and would want to support your wish to help us in whatever way you can. We acknowledge that every contribution, however small, is both needed and very much appreciated. Please contact Mrs Garnelas in the school office to discuss these issues further. Any contact you make will be treated in the utmost and strictest confidence.

Making payments by Standing Orders

The preferred method to make your contributions is by Standing Order from your bank account on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis – the choice is yours. Whatever level of contribution / support you are able to give, a Standing Order will make a huge administrative difference to us and is by far the easiest and ‘most painless’ way to make a contribution. A Standing Order form has been enclosed as part of the application form and we would be grateful if you can complete it, ensuring the start date corresponds with the date you anticipate your child(ren) to start Clore Tikva and return it back to the office with your child’s application form. Please be assured that all personal bank details will be kept safe and confidential. Should there be any reason why your child does not come to Clore Tikva, then the standing order form will be shredded/destroyed and not kept on file.

Gift Aid

As a registered charity, Clore Tikva School Foundation can accept a “Gift Aid Declaration” on your contributions. This essentially means any contribution you make will be enhanced by as much as 28% by the Inland Revenue, at absolutely no cost to you whatsoever. All that is required is to sign the school application form (form A-n &/or A-s) and tick the relevant box within the ‘formal declaration’ box. This acknowledges that you are a UK tax payer and are willing to Gift Aid your payment to us.