What is a Parent Teacher Association?
It’s simply a group of people who are all keen to get involved in the community of the school. We organise events to raise money to pay for extra school equipment and resources. It’s also about having fun, and we run a varied programme of social events both for ourselves and the children. Various teachers are also involved and bring a great deal of expertise and knowledge with them, though the Association is very much parent-led.

Who can be in it?
Anyone who’s a parent of a child at Blakedown Primary School! We have just five elected positions (Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Social Events Officer). Other members make invaluable contributions by bringing ideas forward, organising events, and helping on the day. Not everyone attends the committee meetings, but they can still get involved.

What sort of things does the PTA organise?
The complete list would be a very long one, but here’s a flavour of some of the things we’ve done in the past year or so:

• Supper dance with live music from ‘Blind Lemon’
• Children’s film and games nights after school
• Ladies’ beauty and indulgence evening
• Recipe book with ideas from pupils, parents and grandparents
• School memories book – reminiscences from past pupils and teachers
• Bag 2 School collections of old clothes and textiles
• Barn Dance
• Quiz Nights
• Art and activity days for the children
• Fashion show
• Catalogues such as Avon, School Link books and Webb Ivory

How does a typical PTA event come about and how do you make things happen? Ideas are discussed at our meetings, held roughly every six weeks. As a group we decide which ones we want to take forward, and a small group is formed (a sub-committee in effect) to work out the real detail. They’ll meet again, possibly several times to decide on things like publicity, catering, booking venues/entertainment etc. They’ll work out who is going to do what, and whether they’ll need more help at the event itself.

I’ve never done anything like this before, and I don’t know how much time I can spare. What can I offer?
The important thing with the PTA is that no-one expects you to be an expert on anything! For instance we’re always just grateful for a helping hand serving refreshments at events. Some members can’t attend meetings, but can do other things such as co-ordinating our Avon catalogues (a great little fundraiser!) You don’t have to bite off more than you can chew, though people have often surprised themselves when they make things happen they wouldn’t have thought possible!

How has PTA fundraising helped the school?
The PTA has funded many items of equipment, all in consultation with the Head and other teachers who advise us what’s needed. Here are a few things:

• Outdoor activity table • Wall games and benches
• Workshop day with artist to create boards
• Indian dance workshop
• Wooden huts and sculptures on the playing field

I don’t really know any other parents well, and I’m a bit nervous about getting involved.
Don’t worry! The PTA is a great way of making new friendships and feeling you can make a real contribution to your child’s school. We’re always ready to welcome any offers of help, and you won’t get pushed into doing anything you’re not sure about. At Blakedown we’re fortunate in that our PTA has a thriving membership. Our success is purely down to the fact that people like you either get involved directly, attend our events, or use PTA services like Avon and School Link books.

How do I get involved?
Come to one of our meetings, which are always publicised via the school bookbags. Or if you leave your name and a contact number at the school office one of us will get back in touch.

Thank you very much for your support!