Get involved with your PTA Getting involved in your child’s school is good for you, good for them and good for society, says Emma Williams, Chief Executive of PTA UK. Have you ever thought about getting more involved in your child’s school? Don’t let other commitments and daily demands put you off the idea: your talents will be welcomed and useful, however much time you can spare. What’s more, you’ll make new friends and learn new skills. Most successful schools recognise the importance of parents and the value of involving them in school life. This can be through getting involved in fundraising and social events, but also by taking their views into consideration when deciding on key issues that affect the whole school. After all, parents should have a say on how to spend money made through their fundraising efforts, but they can also add value when shaping wider policies by sharing their ideas on anything from behaviour to homework. What’s more, the evidence is stacked in our favour. We know that when parents are regularly involved in their child’s education, the children do better, behave better and it helps to create a positive local community. So how can you get involved? With summer fairs around the corner, why not start by taking a more active role in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at your school. Remember, whatever your contribution, it will have a positive impact and be welcomed with open arms. Here are the reasons why: Being part of your PTA is good for you and your family A survey of PTA UK members found that parents spend around three million hours every year volunteering their time nationwide. That’s the equivalent of £20 million worth of labour invested in our children’s education that simply wouldn’t be provided in any other way. Being active in your PTA not only improves your child’s school but makes you an excellent role model to your children. Research confirms what we’ve always known: when children see us being actively involved at school and supporting their learning, it encourages them to succeed. Our participation sends out positive messages which show we are interested in what the school does and want to do our bit to make it great for the children. Taking part helps build trust between parents and teachers Becoming part of the PTA is the best way to get to know other parents and teachers while gaining an insight into daily life at school. By working together, and understanding how to support each other, we can help achieve a common goal: to give children opportunities and help each one to reach their full potential. It raises welcome funds Whether it’s creating an outdoor classroom, providing first aid training, stocking the library with new books or arranging a visit from a top author, the funds raised from your activities impact significantly on the opportunities and experiences of all children at school. Donations to the PTA can help schools fund the extras that support learning and give many children the opportunity to try out new experiences which otherwise, they might miss out on. It gives you a voice Parent groups give you a say on issues that matter. They act as a consultative body, relaying parental insights to school leaders and helping to make sure that parent views are being heard. Sometimes, parent councils or parent forums are set up in schools, separate to the events-focussed PTA (where you can also have a say in how funds are spent). It builds connections beyond the school gates PTAs are brilliant for building relationships with the local community, and that means everything from fundraising events to sponsorship from local businesses and coverage in the local media. Indeed, some PTA UK members have even worked with local employers to run careers fairs. It’s good for you too Every parent has plenty to offer a PTA: whether it’s being on the committee, helping out at events or organising meetings, your talents will be put to good use. As well as being enjoyable, you can build your confidence, learn new skills and add to your CV. For further information on how to make an impact at school, join our growing online community, and find out how you can get involved or become a member of PTA UK at www.pta.co.uk/parents/get-involved-at-school and read our blog on taking the PTA plunge at www.pta.org.uk/ptaplunge PTA UK is a national charity supporting Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) nationwide and championing positive parental engagement in their child’s education. In the latest survey of PTA UK members, carried out in Nov 2016: • Three out of four (76%) respondents reported volunteering their time and skills for their PTA while also in either full-time or part-time paid employment • The average funds an individual PTA raises a year is over £7,000 with a quarter (26%) of PTAs raising more than £10,000. PTA UK also carried out its national annual parents survey in October 2016 and found: • Four in 10 parents state lack of time as the single most important reason for not participating in different ways at school (e.g. on a parent association / forum etc.) • Over a quarter (29%) report never having been asked to participate in the first instance • Nearly half (49%) would consider being active in a parent council or other parent group despite never having done this in the past. • Only 12% of parents have been a school governor or trustee, with in fact more men taking up these roles than women. For further information about PTA UK’s research, log onto: www.pta.org.uk 16 Primary Times MAY 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/north_london
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