A CHARITABLE fund for parents of pupils who cannot afford essential items has been launched by a group of schools.

The benevolent fund is being set up to help families of children who attend South Stanley Infant and Nursery School, South Stanley Junior School, Bloemfontein Primary School and Greenland Community Primary School.

They are part of Stanley Learning Partnership, a multi-academy trust, and parents will be able to apply for small grants to buy things including uniforms, school bags, footwear and winter clothing.

Mark Stewart, the partnership’s chief executive, said: “Both staff and children will join forces in a variety of fundraising activities across the year.

“Their fundraising efforts will give us the means to provide support for a number of families within our partnership.

“As always our children have embraced this initiative wholehearted and are looking forward to working as a team in order to support one another.”

Pupils are being asked to think of a name and design a logo.

The winning designer will receive an art pack as well as working with graphic designers to see their creation become a reality.

Louise Thompson, headteacher of South Stanley Infant and Nursery School, said: “We are confident that any money we raise will make a huge difference; not only to the families we are able to support, but also to the children that help raise it.

“We are extremely proud of our partnership and this initiative is a superb way for our children and families to work together with a common goal of supporting one another.”

Applications are now open and the deadline for the first round is Tuesday, November 26.

Fundraising events will take place throughout the year but organisers are also looking for support from local businesses in terms of raffles prizes and cash donations.

To get involved contact Louise Milbourne 01207-266-700.