The PTFA has raised thousands of pounds, which have been spent on improving equipment and resources to enhance our children’s education and the facilities in school in general. The PTFA exists to provide closer links between home and school, and it is an excellent way to bring staff, parents and friends together socially in support of the school, working towards a common goal. It is fun too – just ask any of the PTFA committee members or helpers. Obviously as in any organisation, there are times when it is more ‘challenging’, but with the continued support of parents and staff, our PTFA has always succeeded in its efforts.
All parents and members of the school community can get involved if they want to, even if they only have a small amount of time available, and all parents are automatically members of the PTFA when their children join our school.
Not all of our events are run as fundraisers. Our children’s discos are run with the aim of giving the children a good time and as a way of thanking families for their continued support for the PTFA.
Links with Local Business
We have developed strong links with the local community and are always well supported by both residents and businesses, for which we are very grateful. Many of our local shops are very generous in their donations of raffle prizes etc, and some have taken part in our Christmas and Summer Fayres. How we raise money
Like most PTFAs, the majority of our funds are raised through the events that we run, the most popular of which are our Christmas and Summer Fayres. We are registered on the Giving Machine website (www.thegivingmachine.co.uk). This website enables you to purchase goods from numerous high street stores which in turn donates a percentage from the sale to our PTFA funds.
We are fortunate however to have other opportunities open to us to raise money. Donations are extremely important. These can be time, money, items for sale, donations for raffles or offers of services and skills. How we spend the money we raise
Once money is raised from events the funds are banked straight away. Decisions on how to spend the money are then agreed at our PTFA Committee Meetings. Usually, the teachers will have a ‘shopping list’ of items that the school would like to purchase, such as resources to improve a particular area of the curriculum or school environment. In the main the PTFA funds are for the ‘extras’ not provided by the school budget, that make our children’s learning experiences so much more fulfilling and exciting. PTFA funds are not generally spent on improving the fabric of the school building as this is the responsibility of the school Governing Body. Our Constitution commits the PTFA to spending money on things that will benefit the children directly. We always endeavour to spend our funds in ways that will benefit all our children across all areas of the school. The money we raise is usually spent fairly quickly. That way, you can be sure that in supporting our school, your child/children will feel the benefit, along with everybody else. How you can get involved
There are lots of ways you can help and support your child through the PTFA. Offering to help before events or at other times during the year is so valuable – it really is a case of ‘many hands make light work’. It doesn’t matter if you can’t help on a regular basis, or even if you can’t come into school. There are always little jobs that can be done from home if you have some time to spare e.g. wrapping gifts, preparing raffle tickets etc.
We really couldn’t achieve what we do without the unseen ‘army of help’ that exists in school. You can of course, if you feel able, volunteer to be Committee Member, or you can simply support the AGM and give us your ideas for fundraising events – this is also the time to ask questions or voice your opinion. You can help by letting us know if you have any contacts or skills we could use – everything is potentially valuable to us.
And finally; we are always extremely grateful to receive donations as mentioned before. Thank you for taking the time to read our information. We hope you now know a little more about your Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA). On behalf of all the children we would like to thank you for your very valuable support which enriches their learning experiences and makes their time in school so enjoyable. From all the PTFA Committee
