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Would you want to learn in the same way every day? Taking learning outside the classroom can help pupils feel better and learn better, says Dr Anne Hunt, CEO of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
A school library does more than improve literacy. It encourages creativity, supports mental health and helps build critical thinking skills. If your school doesn’t have a library, the benefits make it an ideal project, says Carol Rogerson
BookSpace’s Christopher White shares his advice
From secret societies to photos of ukuleles, Carolyn Sparks shares her tips for an efficient, well-run group
How one PTA took a new approach
Our roundup of small changes to lessen your PTA’s impact on the environment
Keeping track of your data makes it easier to plan events and lets you find out what’s working and what’s not
If you have a strained relationship with the school, you’re not alone - but there are ways to improve it so everyone wins
All the words you wanted to know about but were afraid to ask!
How to find replacements when committee members step down
If you’re stepping down as chair or committee members are leaving, a comprehensive handover pack will help you pass on the paperwork
The duties and responsibilities of the PTA chair, treasurer and secretary
Alongside the elected committee roles, PTAs often recruit for other positions. such as communications officer, grants officer and pre-loved uniform coordinator
If no one steps up to be chair, electing two or more co-chairs to share the job can help your committee thrive
Social media is a valuable tool for engaging with the parents of older children
There’s a lot of confusion over selling, serving and winning alcohol at events. We have a sober conversation with expert Jill Pocock
Carol Rogerson explores how PTAs can help schools reduce carbon emissions, promote environmental conservation and encourage eco-friendly practices
As chair, you’re the face of the PTA - here’s everything you need to know about the role
Teaching children to articulate their ideas benefits learning across the curriculum. Angela Schofield, oracy lead at Excelsior Multi Academy Trust, explains why PTAs should get involved
Learn how to set up a PTA, start fundraising and bring your school community together
Dan Bishop, head of operations and services at the Association of Chairs, reveals how to make the best use of everyone’s time
You asked, we answered. Find the answers to the most common PTA queries
Love it or loathe it, the AGM is an essential part of the PTA year. Follow our quick guide for an effortless meeting
Kick-start your year of organisation with our fundraising guide
What is an Annual General Meeting (AGM), and when should we hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)?
Everything you need to know about your PTA’s Annual General Meeting
We answer the most commonly asked questions about planning and holding an AGM
Unlikely social media posts offering tickets for resale could be a scam. Here’s what to do
QR codes are versatile, simple to create and easy for users to access on their smartphones
Carol Rogerson discovers what PTAs can do as the cost of living crisis begins to bite
A significant component of the work of school staff is protecting children. But how should PTAs engage with safeguarding policies?
Anna Scott reveals how to make your PTA an inclusive space where everyone is welcome
Spotlight on visibility: raising the profile of your PTA is a win-win, increasing donations and attracting new volunteers
Staying unincorporated is an ideal way for a new or small charity to raise money, says charity expert Ian McLintock
Gardening facilitates outdoor learning, boosts wellbeing and helps children understand climate change. So, should a school garden go to the top of your wish list, asks Carol Rogerson
Our top ten elements for the perfect school garden
Our children will grow up in an increasingly diverse world. Let’s start their journey by showing them how the PTA finds common ground, says Carol Rogerson
We asked PTAs what had changed for them since the start of the pandemic. Here, we reveal what they’ve tried, what they like and what they can’t wait to drop
Better meetings will help your PTA achieve more
PTA life can be tough, and increasing our resilience is essential to health and happiness, says Josh Floyd
Incorporate environmentally friendly thinking into your fundraising
How two PTAs made the most of their volunteers’ skills
Would a virtual AGM be right for your group?
Joe Clarke from the UK Safer Internet Centre explains the pros and cons of operating PTA social media accounts
Facebook is one of the largest social media platforms and the favourite of our PTA+ community. But how can you make it work for your school?
We put some of the most commonly asked questions on charity governance to the Charity Commission
A wishlist can help schools and PTAs decide what to buy more effectively
Whether you are looking for the best account for your PTA or setting up a new bank account, the Charity Finance Group (CFG) answers your charity banking questions
The school and PTA both have the same core objective, so how can you work together to become a stronger unit?
Feeling frustrated, angry or unappreciated? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We asked counsellor Rona Waldon-Saunders for her advice on some common PTA gripes
We have set up over 60 local PTA Facebook groups to help neighbouring PTA committees connect
Generally speaking, all committee members are trustees of a PTA, so what responsibilities do they have? Neal Green, Senior Policy Advisor at the Charity Commission, explains...
How diligent are you about looking after parents’ contact details?
We spoke to the Fundraising Regulator and the Information Commission’s Office (ICO) to find out what GDPR means for PTAs
How to create digital posters to publicise your PTA events
Holding meetings online has become commonplace, but would it work for your PTA?
Covid-19 forced PTAs to cancel events and put plans on hold. We look at what’s happened since then and what steps PTAs can take to get back up and running
When do PTA volunteers need to have DBS checks? We asked the team at Safe Network for their advice
Keep cash safe at your PTA events and avoid financial disputes when working with external suppliers
Advice on buying safely, finding the best deals on supplies for your events and maximising profits
Overcommitment leads to stress and anxiety – resist the pressure to take on too many projects
It can be hard for a PTA to attract support and build relationships without formal training or experience. Carol Rogerson asks charity professionals for their advice
As a charity fundraiser, Lucy Gower discovered that storytelling was her most powerful tool. She explains how PTAs can develop their skills
Encourage dads, grandparents, and local community members to get involved with the PTA by tailoring your volunteering to suit their lifestyles, skills and interests
Members past and presents talk about their experiences of being on one school’s PTA
We’ve compiled a list of resources to support learning at home
Getting your admin done and your shed tidy at the end of the summer term will make things easier when September comes around
Get your PTA fundraising off to a flying start in the autumn term
