Home / Running a PTA / Community engagement
There are more than 230,000 autistic pupils in England, three quarters of whom are in mainstream schools. Follow Nuala Calvi’s tips to make sure your PTA is autism-friendly
Leaving primary school needn’t mean waving goodbye to PTA connections
What makes some people step up while others hold back? Daniel Etherington has an action plan to encourage more involvement in your big summer events
Waterside’s new additions have been a hit with pupils, staff and PTA alike - no porkies
Help supporters connect to your PTA by communicating with them in a visual way that’s easy to understand
Location, location, location
How to be cost conscious: Nuala Calvi on the importance of being inclusive in difficult financial times
Adrian Thomas went from running the PTA bar to setting up his own brewery
Preloved school uniform is not always suitable for resale, but there’s no need to send it to landfill. Why not get crafty instead? Here are some creative ways to give donated items a new lease of life
PTA parents get a bad rep online but it’s time we changed the story, says Daniel Etherington
Working with businesses could provide a whole new income stream for your PTA, by Zoë Hill
Think you know the PTA? Think again! Clare Snelson helps us to sort the fact from the fiction
Daniel Etherington speaks to three PTAs about their eco projects which are going from strength to strength
A sensory room is not only for children with special educational needs (SEN). Nuala Calvi looks at the benefits for everyone
After holding a successful event, it’s important to count the earnings, thank the volunteers and collect feedback, among other tasks
How can you make fundraising and events more visible and engaging? Dress up as a giant dinosaur, Easter bunny or inflatable Christmas tree, says Rebecca Geitgey
The PTA at Elm Grove School in Brighton created a pantry stocked with food and household essentials to help hungry families
Printed hoodies have become a tradition for Year 6 leavers. Daniel Etherington examines the options for PTAs hoping to run a hoodie fundraiser
How PTAs can show supporters the true value of their work beyond counting the funds raised
Having a governor on the committee can help your PTA understand the school’s requests and priorities
Being involved in PTA activities provides children with opportunities to learn new skills, make friends, and gain confidence, says Nuala Calvi
A new law aims to make uniforms affordable for all parents by allowing more high street options and second-hand sales. But what exactly is it, and how does it impact PTAs?
Trains, planes and double decker buses make fun, exciting learning spaces. Zena Alli hopped aboard to hear how four schools raised funds for extra va-va-room
Ioan Marc Jones, content editor at Charity Digital, explains how digital fundraising can help increase donations
If your PTA needs help with woodwork or metalwork, try asking your local Men’s Shed
Daniel Etherington asks how can PTAs can recruit the families of new starters to the cause
Whether it’s bad weather, tipsy parents or a jumble sale with a whiff, our stories of PTA disasters show you’ll be able to laugh afterwards
How the PTA can provide a warm welcome for new starters and their parents
Offer support and advice to new parents while raising the profile of your PTA
Before you join the PTA, find out about its role, membership, expectations, and benefits
Welcome new children and families to the school by running an all-inclusive fundraising event such as a barn dance, inflatables day, or a back-to-school BBQ
When Julie Willcox moved to a new town, she didn’t know anyone. Then she joined the PTA, and now the whole school knows her name
These PTAs held events and fundraisers to bring their school community together
Local news journalist Victoria Helmore explains how to write an effective press release and get the attention of journalists
Transforming your outdoor space can have massive benefits for pupils. Daniel Etherington talks to three schools that gave pupils a reason to get outside
Welcome new families to the school with a friendly and informative letter from the PTA
Nicola Bloom discovers that micro-volunteering can help PTAs widen their pool of supporters and accomplish more tasks
Donations with a specified purpose are known as restricted funds. Charity lawyer Laura Soley explains how they work
An inspirational speech will remind families why you need their help. Storytelling coach Hari Patience-Davies explains why identifying what matters to your audience is key to getting them on board
PTA helpers support the school, make lasting friendships and improve their children’s learning. Our printable flyer explains why parents all should get involved
Three PTAs tell us how involving their communities helped them reduce waste at events
Volunteering for the PTA benefits your personal and professional life as well as raising funds for the school
Heather Park explores ways to reduce your environmental impact and promote eco-friendly policies in your school community
Make your supporters read every word with the right combination of planning, writing, scheduling and design
How PTAs can establish successful business partnerships with local companies to gain ongoing support for fundraising activities
Effective communication involves using a combination of traditional and digital methods, choosing communication channels based on what your supporters prefer
Grandparents can be valuable volunteers, bringing a wealth of skills, expertise and networks as well as a different perspective
If you have a fair, fête or raffle coming up, contacting commercial companies is a great way to ask for prizes or sponsorship
Give volunteers a well-deserved boost by showing them how much you value their work
A PTA can add value to the school and its community by sharing resources, encouraging involvement, creating memorable events, and engaging families and pupils
Make eco-friendly bunting and Year 6 leaver’s gifts from old uniform that can’t be resold
These inspiring community-based fundraising projects brought people together and made a positive impact on the school and local community
Class representatives play an essential role in connecting the school, parents, and PTA committee. They communicate important information, recruit volunteers for events and encourage support
When your headteacher gets involved in lighthearted events, it demonstrates their commitment to the PTA
Establish an engaged community of alumni by finding former pupils and engaging them with school activities and fundraising
Read the inspirational speech that Julie Hartell, co-chair of the Friends of Beacon Rise Primary delivered to the parents at her children’s school
PTAs always need more volunteers. Our top 10 tips will help you recruit them more easily and keep them for longer
How to maximise fundraising without overwhelming your supporters and volunteers
Give Year 6 leavers a treat at the end of their primary school years by buying a memorable gift
Parents of new starters, try a volunteering role. Our PTA makes a difference, that's our goal
A PTA logo will represent your brand and separate your fundraising activities from the school. Here’s how to get started
Save time and effort with our downloadable social media graphics
Use our downloadable and editable parents’ questionnaire to help identify supporters’ skills, choose popular events and find new business partners
