Home / Running a PTA / Community engagement
A sensory room can provide a safe space for those who need it - Nuala Calvi looks at the benefits for all children, and why it doesn’t have to cost the Earth
The families have gone home and you've taken down the tables and gazebos - finish these last few jobs and you're done!
Looking to raise awareness and money for your PTA event or fundraiser? Put on a funny costume, says Rebecca Geitgey
How one school supports those facing financial hardship
Providing printed hoodies for children ending their years at primary school has become a tradition. Daniel Etherington finds out what PTAs need to know
Take your communications to the next level by showing the difference you make
It's sometimes seen as a conflict of interest, but having a governor on the committee can actually help you work better together
As a PTA parent, you're modelling a host of important values for your children, says Nuala Calvi
A new law designed to make schools provide affordable uniforms came into effect in September 2022. But what exactly is it, and how does it impact PTAs?
Trains, planes and double deckers make fun, exciting learning spaces. Zena Alli hopped aboard to hear how four schools found extra va-va-room
Ioan Marc Jones, content editor at Charity Digital, answers your most pressing questions
If your PTA needs help with woodwork or metalwork, try asking your local Men's Shed
Parents of children starting their first year at school are potential new recruits for the PTA. Daniel Etherington looks at how to encourage their involvement
There are hurdles to overcome at any event, and whether it's bad weather, tipsy parents or a jumble sale with a bit of a whiff, you'll be able to laugh afterwards - we promise
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 why it exists, what it does and how volunteers can help
At the start of a new term, welcome new children and families to the school by running an all-inclusive fundraising event
When Julie Willcox moved to a new town, she didn't know anyone. Then she caught the PTA bug, and now the whole school knows her name
Take inspiration from these PTA members who brought their school communities closer together
Local news journalist Victoria Helmore shares her expertise
Transforming the space beyond the classroom can have massive benefits for pupils. Daniel Etherington looks at three schools which have done just that
Welcome new families to the school with a letter from the PTA
The biggest obstacle in getting people to commit to the PTA is a lack of time, so how do we get around the problem of diaries that are busier than ever? Nicola Bloom discovers the answer could be 'micro-volunteering'
If your PTA receives, or fundraises for, money to be spent on a particular project, you'll need to make sure that's what you spend it on. The money will be held by the PTA as what is known as a 'restricted fund', explains Laura Soley
A speech at the start of the school year will help parents understand why the PTA exists and what it actually does. Hari Patience-Davies explains why identifying what matters to your audience is key to getting them to do what you want
Download our leaflet to explain to parents who makes up your PTA, what you do and why you need their help
We talk to three PTAs about how they reduced waste and raised awareness
Volunteering isn't just about raising funds for the school - getting involved in the PTA could have more benefits than you had banked on
Heather Park looks at how you can minimise your impact on the environment, and help your school community become more eco-friendly
What should you put in your PTA newsletters, and how can you write one people will read?
Form a rewarding relationship with a company and discover how both parties can reap the benefits
Whether it's to help get visitors to events or find new committee members, a PTA needs the right level of exposure to help it flourish
Reach out to grandparents to up the manpower on your PTFA. Not only can they help bolster volunteer numbers, they bring a wealth of experience!
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
Beyond fundraising, a PTA can bring value to the school and wider community in different and unexpected ways
Make bunting and leavers' gifts from uniform that can't be resold
PTAs share their stories of inspiring initiatives that benefitted their local communities too
Having PTA representatives for each class is an ideal way to engage parents, boost support and share the workload
Boost support by getting your headteacher actively involved in the PTA
When it comes to giving pupils the opportunity to meet role models, who better to turn to than your school alumni?
Encourage more parents to show their support with a rousing speech
A lack of volunteers is the single, biggest issue for most PTAs. We've put together these simple steps to help you harness more support
How to make the most of your activities without overwhelming your volunteers and supporters
Give Year 6 leavers a treat at the end of their primary school years by buying a memorable gift
This charming poem is sure to convince potential volunteers to step forward and help
Designing a brand logo for your cause will raise awareness of your PTA, but how do you go about it?
Save time and effort with our free-to-download graphics for social media
We've created a questionnaire which your PTA can use to find out which events are of interest to parents, what skills they have and what support they could offer