A HEARTFELT appeal has been launched by cash-strapped Camelsdale Primary School in a bid to replace vital IT equipment.

Camelsdale is one of many West Sussex schools and academies facing a funding crisis.

This month, school governors across the county wrote to MPs threatening to stop signing off budgets and carrying out supervisory work in protest.

According to teaching unions, West Sussex faces budget cuts of more than £28m over the next two years, equivalent to £287 for each pupil.

Desperate to replace seven “fast-failing” interactive whiteboards, Camelsdale appealed to the community to help it win the biggest number of votes last October in the Aviva Community Fund 2016 and gain an award of more than £25,000.

A phenomenal 20,257 supporters voted for the school project - more than 240 other hopefuls – and it went through to the finals.

Unfortunately, Camelsdale did not win the main prize but received £500 and a commendation.

Now, with the need to replace its whiteboards ever more urgent, the school has launched a crowdfunding appeal, ‘Clevertouch for Camelsdale’, to raise £3,000 to buy a state-of-the-art whiteboard.

The deadline for donations is Tuesday, February 28, and the campaign has already got off to a flying start, boosted by support from local businesses, including Liphook children’s theatre company The Man in the Moon, which holds its day camps at Camelsdale in the school holidays.

The crowdfunding appeal has now exceeded its £3,000 target and the hope is it can raise £6,000 by the end of the month and buy two Clevertouch whiteboards.

Headteacher Sarah Palmer said: “Once again, we are delighted and overwhelmed by the incredible support our small but mighty school has received and continues to receive. This strongly affirms how important the school and its pupils’ futures are to our community.

“Each Clevertouch board will immediately transform the teaching for one class teacher and support staff, and – fundamentally – improve the learning of 30 plus pupils. Increased participation, enhanced collaboration and better-paced presentation of curriculum content are all key benefits of this must-have teaching tool.

“Camelsdale teachers and pupils really deserve dependable, up-to-date equipment that enhances, not hinders, their learning journey.”

To support Camelsdale Primary School, visit crowdfunded.org.uk/p/camelsdaleschoolwhiteboards.