PTFA

NEWBARNS PTFA

(Parent/Teacher/Friends Association)

Anyone associated with the school can be a member of this group, in whatever capacity they choose – help at events such as the Christmas Market, marshalling at the Coniston to Barrow Walk, baking cakes, helping in school and participating in any other fundraising activities is greatly appreciated. Lots of funds have been raised over the years and all money goes towards enriching curriculum events such as author and theatre company visits, extra playground equipment and “treats” the children would not normally have.

The more support we have, the more events we can provide and the more funds we can raise. It is also lovely to see how children respond when they see family members at events, helping out as little or as often and in any way they can. We strive to build a welcoming, inclusive team so that we can work towards making our school an even better place for our children to learn and thrive. 
 
No matter how much or how little time you can spare, anything is appreciated and everyone is welcome.
 
If you would like to join the team, please contact us at ptfa@newbarns.cumbria.sch.uk.
 
 

Meet the PTFA

Emma Foote – Chair

I have been a teacher at Newbarns Primary and Nursery School for over 20 years and I am fortunate that both my son and daughter now attend the school in Nursery and Reception 
The school has always held a special place in my heart. My grandparents lived on Kendall Croft for over 50 years and several of my family members attended the school when they were children, including my Dad.
I joined Newbarns PTFA in September 2024 and became Chair of the organisation. I care deeply about our school and community and want to make sure our fundraising has a positive impact on students’ experiences during their time at our wonderful school. The PTFA plays an important role in bringing people together, supporting school initiatives and raising funds that directly benefit our pupils.
I am lucky to be part of two fantastic teams of people both the staff as well as the PTFA and look forward to seeing what we, as a community, can achieve in the future. 

Rachel Bell – Treasurer

I am the Treasurer of the Newbarns PTFA. I work part time as an accounts assistant and have volunteered in the local Netball and Rounders league for a number of years. I’m a Mum of 2 boys,  my youngest currently attends Newbarns and my eldest is married with two beautiful little girls. I joined the PTFA in January 2025 after volunteering at the Christmas Market and enjoying being part of the team. I also wanted to get more involved in my son’s school life. I believe through the PTFA we can provide fun events for the children that go hand in hand with raising money to provide resources that will enhance their primary school journey. 
We have already seen a more positive uptake from the greater school community over the past months and look forward to many more successful events in the future.

Carly Knibbs

I’m a mum of 3 lively boys, two of which attend Newbarns and one who has just left to begin secondary school.
As well as being an active member of my partner’s family run brewery, I also work at Newbarns as a midday supervisor and enjoy being a part of the PTFA.
Our family have been a part of the Newbarns community for many years and I see first-hand, as a parent and a committee member, all the wonderful things that our PTFA bring to the school as a whole, while also enabling myself to make new lifelong friends along the way.

Katie French

I have been a part of the Newbarns community for many years. I have 3 boys, 2 of which have moved on to senior school and college, while my youngest is currently in Year 5. I also work as a midday supervisor in school. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the PTFA, not only have I met some wonderful friends but become part of a team with one mission in mind, to work in partnership with the school to make the children’s first steps on their educational journey the best it can be. To see the children’s excitement for the things we have done or provide for them has been extremely rewarding.

Sarah Griffiths

I am a Mum to two boys, who both attend Newbarns. I moved to Barrow-in-Furness in 2023 and didn’t know anyone. I thought I would attend one PTFA meeting just after my son started in preschool and never left. The PTFA is a great group of people that want the best experience for the children of Newbarns and their families. By joining the PTFA I have made great friends and I am enjoying being part of the Newbarns community.

Andrea Briggs

I’m a mum to 4 children. I have 2 older boys who have left Newbarns and I have a daughter and son in the school. I joined the PTFA not knowing what I was doing and have loved every minute getting to help to plan and support so many of the fun events for the children. It is great to be involved in raising money to help better the facilities around school for the children now and in the future. There have been so many opportunities, I have met some amazing people and made some really good friends along the way. Watching everyone come together for the children and the betterment of the school has been absolutely brilliant.