Partnerships
How to support your PTA
team of four so the next step was to run a targeted recruitment campaign. A Google Form was information about those who would volunteering, organising or being on the committee. Out of a school of 600 children, we received 12 replies – but that was better than nothing. Individual emails were then sent
them for their interest, sending further information and explaining we would arrange some meetings. We then held two meetings –
one evening in a bar and one morning in a coffee shop. At least three committee members went to each meeting and explained the history of the PTA, its current position and our hopes for the future. We went through the roles and answered questions about the committee. Parents who could not individual chat or coffee. This investment in time paid off:
we recruited a new secretary and co-chair, as well as four other committee members who were all voted in at our AGM. Alongside this, non-committee roles to help with coordination and communication. This means our PTA committee
now has children in every year group. We are ‘training’ new members on the events that we run and welcoming new ideas. More have a greater representation in the school and, perhaps most – and we are able to enjoy doing what we do! Sharon Noble is FSA chair at Oak Lodge Primary School
Designate a staff member to be a point of contact to reply to queries and questions with the PTA – even if this is termly Tell the PTA what you need funding for – give them a purpose Provide some admin support where possible, such as letters home, putting up posters, collecting forms Provide free space and support for PTA activities, even if this means moving regular hirers once in a while Appreciate PTA members as celebrations of PTA achievements.
How to set up a PTA 1
ENGAGE WITH TARGETS AND OFFER SUPPORT
Find someone you know can take the lead on the PTA. Is there a parent or staff member you could work with? Make time for coffee and chats and ensure that school support is in place. Could you offer the time of an employee for a few hours a month to provide support? See our sister site
PTA.co.uk for more information on the steps involved, plus tips on how to manage a PTA and run meetings.
2
AGREE THE PROCESSES Once the PTA has been
set up, you can register it as a charity and get a bank account. However, you need to ensure you have some processes covered from the start so that momentum can grow. Could you offer logistical support, such
3
as storing or banking funds in the short term and sending out communication to parents?
START SMALL Run a cake sale or coffee
morning to introduce parents to the idea of a PTA. Use the momentum from this to call a meeting for interested parents and carers, and start to think about volunteers, roles and the structure of the organisation and committee. Make sure senior staff attend to show how important this is to the school.
4
START TO STAND BACK Allow the PTA volunteers
to develop an organisational structure, decide on the constitution and roles. Keep in contact to ensure the PTA complements what the school wants and needs, and to make volunteers feel valued and important.
Sharon Noble is development manager at Chestnut Grove Academy, in South London
FundEd SPRING 2023 21
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