Partnerships


ENGAGE, ENGAGE, ENGAGE


With purse strings tightening, it’s more important than ever to build engagement with three core groups: parents, the community and local business. So says Phil Burton, SBM at Hallbrook Primary School in Leicester


I


f you’re feeling hesitant about asking the wider community to support your school then ask yourself a simple question: can I afford not to? Even at


a basic level, you can bring in additional income – and help – in a short amount of time. The key is to get the right person, or people, to lead your efforts. You need people who are bubbly and happy to chat to others. Personally, I have found it


helps to be nosy! Developing engagement with parents, the community and local business is increasingly important in everyday school life. So how does this work? And how can these groups support you in raising additional funds?


Parents This is the largest group of people, who have the most to gain from making your


school better. Every parent is invested in getting the best all-round education possible for their child, so you are already partway there. Work alongside your PTA, if you have one, to capitalise on this self-interest in your fundraising. If you don’t have a PTA then arrange some events based around school. My school serves 183 families in a


deprived area and does not have a PTA. Yet we manage to raise around £7,000 a year thanks to the dedication of a few members of staff, who work hard to engage our parents and the wider community. Our more successful events are usually are seasonal focused events – our Summer Camp, Easter Bingo and a Christmas CD recording.


FundEd SUMMER 2020 27


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