Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) are an active part of school life for schools across the country. Many thousands of parents volunteer to join in with PTA activities at their child's school; giving their time and energy to fundraising and working in partnership with the school.
The National Confederation Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTA) is the umbrella organisation for PTAs across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. With a current membership of around 13,000, it represents the voice of more than seven million parents and teachers. Membership fees are based on the size of the school and range from £55 - £95 a year; and provide subscription-linked £10 million public liability insurance plus many other benefits.
Founded in 1956 and a registered charity, the NCPTA aims to promote effective partnerships between parents and teachers which support learning opportunities at home and school.
Gauging the length of time which PTAs have been in existence is harder. We do know that Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby parents' association are planning a centenary celebration in 2008. This celebration is based on evidence from a 1908 school magazine that ‘the parents' association is an established fact'.
PTA activity will vary from school to school; almost all PTAs are involved in fundraising and most will organise social events for parents and children. Many provide helpers for outings and special events and a large number run clubs for sport, music or drama. Some PTAs will organise meetings to inform parents about education issues; particularly when changes are taking place.
Recent figures show that PTAs raise over £73 million a year, providing funds to improve the school experience for millions of children in both the primary and secondary sector - from buying skipping ropes and balls for playtime to the more ambitious project of equipping an ICT suite.
This achievement makes a real difference to schools and their pupils, providing extra resources and, in some cases, making it possible for activities such as school trips to happen.
A successful PTA will bring together parents and teachers who are interested in supporting the school, to work together and with a common purpose.
Research has shown that parental involvement has a very significant impact on a child's achievement and attainment at school. Schools and parents have vital roles to play in helping children to learn. However, achievements are even greater when parents and teachers work together effectively.
A successful PTA provides parents and teachers with the opportunity to exchange views, work together and to develop mutual trust and confidence. The NCPTA supports this success with a wide range of information and practical guidance.
All parents and teachers can get involved, even if they only have a small amount of time available. Parents, teachers and others involved with the school are free to decide on what they want to do and on the framework under which they will work.
In a world where everyone's time is precious getting people to join a PTA and motivating them to get involved can be daunting task. With fundraising a key part of life for the majority of PTAs volunteers will need strong organisation skills and a certain degree of creativity and innovation.
Others, particularly Secondary School PTAs, may meet less frequently and fundraise without ever holding an event.
Meetings are very informal with event planning and organising the main focus. PTAs tend to meet a couple of times each term with an extra meeting just before an event. Meetings may be held at school; usually in the evenings but some PTAs get together at a local pub and make the time more of a social gathering.
The lifecycle of a PTA committee will vary. Some members may stay involved for ten years or more - particularly if they have subsequent children attending the school. Others may stay for a few years and then move on.
It is worth remembering that the key motivation for PTA volunteers is to help make a difference that their children will benefit from.
To find out more about the NCPTA visit ncpta.org.uk, call 01732 375467 or email info@ncpta.org.uk
Laura Warren is communications manager at the NCPTA
