Keeping up with the times

The most recent NCPTA survey showed, once again, that for the majority of PTAs, fundraising in their main purpose (97%). However, for more and more, other aspects of school life are now beginning to feature. For example, for the second year in succession, over a third of NCPTA members have reported that they are now undertaking some form of activity which encourages parents to be more involved in the education of their child/children. Approximately 10% also stated that they are helping their school to deliver the extended services and healthy school agendas. So how can you broaden the scope of your PTA?

A good place to start would be to speak to the headteacher.  Find out what the school’s objectives are for the future as there may be an opportunity for the PTA to assist. As an example, we know that many PTAs have helped their school with the development of its school travel plan. You can talk about short, medium and long term aims. A short term aim could be for the PTA to have a presence at all school events, such as parents’ evening, induction days and so on. This will not only give the PTA the chance to illicit some support and promote its work and the benefits it brings, but to also canvass parents views on behalf of the school on any changes planned, e.g. to the school uniform.

To broaden the remit of your PTA, you need to ensure that you have the support of the PTA committee. Start by understanding the extent to which the PTA is willing to support any activities that are suggested.

There are a variety of activities that a PTA could undertake, to help parents become more engaged in their children’s education, such as:-

• language support for parents with English as a second language
• support for traditionally hard to reach parents
• guidance on issues such as internet safety, bullying, drug use
• help with homework

Further information is available via the NCPTA Information sheet Parental Involvement - getting started

Checklist

• make sure you have the support of your committee
• speak to the head teacher; explain that the PTA would like to support the school in activities aimed at engaging more parents
• think about what type of activities you could undertake; perhaps a survey of parents will identify the need for a certain activity
• think about how such a project would be funded

Case Studies

• Anchorsholme Primary School,  PATHS - Play at Home and School
• Wade Deacon High School,  Parents Road to Success