School raises £4,000 for charity helping vulnerable

A SCHOOL in Goring Heath has donated almost £4,000 to a charity.

The money was raised by the Oratory Prep School at its Christmas Fair and through the sales of second-hand uniforms.

Staff and parents and the “Tiny Tycoons” — pupils in years three to eight — worked together on the fair, which raises money for a different cause each year.

This year’s beneficiary was Home-Start Reading, which supports vulnerable families with young children.

Sue Biggs, who co-chairs the charity, was presented with a cheque for £3,864 at an assembly at the independent school.

She said: “Our trained volunteers work alongside our expert staff to help build parents’ confidence and resilience, so they can give their children the best start in life.

“We are extremely grateful to the Friends of the Oratory Prep School for raising valuable funds to enable us to keep supporting families in these challenging times.”

Headmaster Andrew De Silva said: “We are incredibly proud of our whole school family for raising such an impressive sum.

“The charity does inspiring work in the community, helping families gain skills, confidence and strength.

“One of our school virtues is kindness, which our pupils, parents and much-loved Friends have illustrated through their heart-warming and creative fundraising.”

Anna Fink, a parent, said: “During the Home-Start assembly, students showed curiosity, inquisitiveness and empathy with their questions and comments.

“We are so pleased that Mrs Biggs was able to explain to the children how Home-Start works and how the funds they helped raise will be used.”