Our PTA has been an important and integral part of the school for over 20 years. In this time, it has raised thousands of pounds, which have been spent on equipment and resources to enhance our children’s educational experience and the school’s facilities.
Our PTA is about much more than simply fundraising. It is an excellent way to bring parents together socially in support of the school, working towards a common goal. It is a great way to meet new people, make friends and have fun. 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 Speen School PTA when their child joins Speen School. As a small school every contribution makes a difference.
Links with the Community
As a village school we have strong links with the local community and are always well supported by local residents and businesses, for which we are very grateful. Speen Stores is a great supporter and we have received grants from the Shop Fund regularly, for eg to refurbish the School Library. Many local residents (many are ex-parents or indeed pupils themselves) support the school through attending PTA events, listening to our children read, or giving time and donations.
Role of the Committee
As well as the committee (Chair, Treasurer and Secretary), Year group representatives are also elected and play an important role. The Committee meet once a term and all parents are encouraged to attend. Smaller working groups meet as necessary when larger events are planned.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Our Annual General Meeting is held at the beginning of each academic year and provides an opportunity for all parents to come along and hear detail about the work the PTA has undertaken over the previous year, the events and funds we have raised and how the money has been spent. It is also when we elect our new committee members and year group representatives.
How we raise money
The majority of our funds are raised through events, some of which are annual traditional favourites, whilst others are new and linked into new parents’ ideas. Some of our most popular events are:
Donations of time, money, items for sale, raffle prizes, auction lots, offers of services and skills are all welcome.
Other Roles of the PTA
We also have a stock of donated ‘pre-loved (second-hand) uniform and hold regular informal sales.
How we spend the money we raise
PTA funds are spent on the ‘extras’ that are often not able to be funded by the school’s budget, thus making our children’s learning experiences even more fulfilling and exciting. Funds can be spent on large items such as the library or IT equipment or on small items such as new balls for the playground. The PTA pays for the coach travel for school trips, giving pupils the opportunity to attend events and places further afield to enhance their learning. We also support the Annual art, music and drama event called SpeenFest by providing resources and enabling external artists to share their skills with our children.
How you can get involved
There are lots of ways you can help and support your child through the PTA. It doesn’t matter if you can’t help on a regular basis, or if you cannot come into school during the day. There are always things that can be done from home if you have half an hour to spare e.g. wrapping gifts, preparing raffle tickets etc. We really couldn’t achieve what we do without the ‘behind the scenes’ help that we receive. A shared workload across such a small school makes the process enjoyable.
Please let us know if you can help and if you have any contacts or skills we could use. Everything is potentially valuable to us.
What the PTA means to our school
From the Governing Body:
“The PTA is an essential part of our school. Everyone’s contribution is highly valued. Financial support enables us to create a richer learning environment for our children e.g. the development of the sensory garden and improvements in the library. These would never have happened without the incredible support of our PTA. The wide variety of social functions allow parents to get to know one another in a more relaxed setting. The children see their parents and the school staff working together for their benefit. They appreciate this united effort and it adds to their feeling of family and fun. Our school would not be the lively and welcoming learning environment it is, without the enthusiasm, commitment and hard work of our PTA.”
Our Headteacher:
“I am totally overwhelmed by the support and dedication of the PTA. PTA activities not only provide us with enjoyable social events, but also raise valuable funds which help to give the children an experience based education. Our PTA has achieved so much over the years. Staff are always really grateful for all that they do
Other ways you can help:
When you buy anything online, please check whether the retailer is listed under Easyfundraising. Thousands of retailers such as Amazon, John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and hundreds more will donate a % of your total purchase price to Speen Infant School for free! It doesn’t affect your purchase price and it’s a win for the School. Just go to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/speen-school-pta/ and click on ‘Support this Cause’, create an account and login to this site every time before making a purchase so your automatic donation counts from the retailer. You can also download the Easyfunding toolbar onto your PC or device so you can easily access the app every time you make a purchase.
You can also sign up to an our ethical lottery https://www.yourschoollottery.co.uk/lottery/school/speen-school/supporter
For as little as £1 per week you will be entered into a weekly draw to win a prize fund within the Speen School PTA lottery community and be in a chance of winning the weekly prize draw of £25,000. Your chances of winning are higher than in the National Lottery! Two chances to win from 1 ticket purchase.
