What does the PTA do?

We are very fortunate at our school to have had an active PTA for many years. The PTA raises a few thousand pounds each year, which is spent on improving equipment and resources to enhance our children's education and the facilities in school in general, eg: the adventure trail and the heating of the swimming pool.
But our PTA is about more than just fundraising - some of our events are just about fun, eg: the Easter Egg Hunt and the end-of-year events. Others are simply about helping the school make the most of it's facitlities eg: removing the brambles from the flower beds and cutting overhanging branches.

But, when we do want to raise money, we do try to offer choice and value-for-money.
          1.     We provide refreshments at sports tournaments held at the school.
          2.     We organise and run stalls at the Summer Fete and Christmas bazaar.
          3.     We sell secondhand uniforms, school bags, swim hats and school sweatshirts.
          4.     We work with the community on local projects and in return receive generous donations from many local                   organisations. These include the Lions, the Carnival Committee and the Axe Valley Runners.
          5.     We occasionally promote working with other organisations which offer "Cashback" schemes.
          6.     For big projects, we apply to grant-giving trusts and local businesses for donations

How is the PTA organised?
As a Registered Charity, we must abide by Charity Commission rules and regulations and are bound by a consititution. Basically, the committee, including chairman, treasurer, secretary and 'ordinary' members are elected at the Annual General Meeting held at the end of October each year. The Committee meets on a regular basis, usually once per half term, with smaller working groups meeting as necessary to organise more complicated events.

All parents/carers can get involved if they want to, even if they only have a small amount of time available eg: by helping at events.

Finally, all parents/carers are automatically members of the PTA when their children join our school. Your support makes the difference!

Claire Ross
Chairman PTA