Why do we have a PTA? – We are fortunate at our school to have a Friends that’s an integral part of the school community. Over the last few years we have raised thousands of pounds, which has been spent on equipment and resources to enhance our children’s educational experience and the school’s facilities.
Our association is about much more than simply fundraising. Friends of Forden School 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’s fun too – just ask any of the Committee members or volunteers.
All parents and members of the school community are encouraged to get involved, even if they only have a small amount of time available. All families are automatically members of Friends of Forden School when their child joins our school.
Our Committee meet on a regular basis with smaller working groups meeting as necessary when we are planning larger events.
The Committee also hold open meetings, any member can come along, find out what the association are planning, share ideas and get involved.
Volunteers – We welcome any help from parents, teachers and friends, and have a growing list of volunteers who commit some of their time to helping the association. Every little helps, so just one hour of assisting at event or wrapping lucky dip prizes or folding raffle tickets (just a few examples) would be invaluable. If you would like to join us please speak to a committee member, come along to our next meeting, contact us on the Facebook group or by email: friendsoffordenpta@yahoo.com
Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Our Annual General Meeting is held in September and provides an excellent opportunity for all parents to come along and hear in more detail about our work, the events we have run, the funds we have raised and how the money has been spent. It is also when we elect our new committee members.
Support from Parentkind – Friends of Forden School is a member of Parentkind, which is a national charity and membership organisation providing support and guidance to over 13,500 parent associations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Membership includes comprehensive insurance cover by Zurich Insurance plc for all our association run events and gives access to support and advice on running the association plus fundraising ideas and good practice hints and tips
Parentkind also provide resources for Parents, if you would like to sign up to their Parent e-Bulletin please visit https://www.parentkind.org.uk/Signup
How we raise money – Like most PTAs, a lot of our funds are raised through the events that we run. Some of our most popular events are:
- Halloween party
- Christmas Fayre
- Easter Event
Donations from parents are extremely important. You can donate time, money, items for sale, raffle prizes and auction lots or offers of services and skills.
How we spend the money we raise – The PTA committee are responsible for deciding how our PTA funds are spent. Usually the School Leadership Team provide a ‘wish list’ of items that the school would like us to consider funding.
We also invite input from parents too, so if you have an idea of something that would benefit all the students in the school, please do share it with the Committee. We can discuss it at a meeting and feedback.
Funds are typically spent on the ‘extras’ that are not provided by the school’s budget, thus making our children’s learning experiences so much more fulfilling and exciting. Funds are not generally spent on improving the fabric of the school building, as this is the responsibility of the school. Our Constitution commits the association to spending money on things that will benefit the children directly.
Some of the items we have donated to the school are listed below:
- Key stage 1 Mud kitchen
- Microphones and sound system
- Contribution to the annual pantomime trip
- Year 6 leavers’ Aberdovey trip
Alongside our many successful events, we also look after the School Lottery and Easy Fundraising, both of which provide a monthly income to Friends of Forden. We are very grateful to all who participate. Everyone is welcome to join.
How we keep you up to date – The school newsletter is sent by email, this includes information on upcoming events and dates plus as well as details of the help we are looking for at larger events. Following an event, we always let you know how much was raised, and when we reach our target, we tell you what the money will be spent on.
If you have access to Facebook, please join our Friends of Forden PTA page.