COMMUNITY


A HELPING HAND AT SCHOOL


We often hear discussions about how parents can help their children at school. But in the current financial climate, it might be more relevant for parents to think about how they can help the school that their children attend. In an era of budget cuts and increased pupil numbers, schools are feeling the pinch. Increasingly it is parents who are stepping in to help.


Getting involved in your school may seem daunting or impractical if you haven’t volunteered before. But there are lots of ways to get involved. Whether you are a stay at home parent or employed part or full- time, there are opportunities to help. The old adage “Many hands might light work” really does come into play here.


Time & Leisure Junior spoke to four different parents about how they got involved and what they got out of it. Turn over to read their very different stories.


But don’t feel that those are the only ways to get involved. We asked local parents for suggestions on social media and here is what they came up with. Obviously funding is a big theme for schools but don’t feel that money is the only thing that you can give. Creating a sense of community and putting the school at the heart of that, is also very important.


Shop through easyfundraising Do your normal shopping through easyfundraising and retailers make a donation to the school. If your school isn’t already registered, talk to your PTA about getting it set up.


Ask your employer for matched funding Some companies will do matched funding for events or fundraising activities. It costs nothing to ask, so why not find out if your company does.


Organise an event Your school may already do a Summer or Christmas fair, but there is nothing to stop you putting other fundraising events in the calendar. We have heard of charity auctions; cake sales; fireworks nights.


Filling book bags We all know how many things come home in the book bags. Homework, magazines, leaflets and it is often parent helpers who ensure that they go in.


Attend


school trips Trips off school premises bring additional pressures for schools and couldn’t happen without volunteer chaperones.


Trips are ad hoc so if you can squeeze in a day or even just a morning off work, it is a great experience to accompany your child’s class.


Share your


experience or skill If you have a particular skillset why not share it – either through a show and tell type session in the class or as part of a project. We know of lots of parents who run music sessions, magic shows or other activities which all help children learn.


Set up a parent group Helping other parents come together and connect ensures that the school is open to everyone and that parents are actively engaged with the school. Whether that is children with special needs or English as a second language, find out whether your school already has something or could benefit from one being set up.


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