The PTA relies on the time and efforts of parents to help it raise monies for what the pupils need. For instance, every year the PTA purchases book bags for reception children to welcome them into school.  We contributed £4,000 to the playground gym equipment, and we are just pulling in the last funds to pay for a new wooden trim trail around the astroturf.  To make these things possible, we rely on the support of parents and carers' time and donations, both of which we are always grateful for. 

What is a Parent Teachers Association (PTA)?
Most schools have a Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which is an organisation of parents, staff and associated people such as grandparents etc. Its role is to encourage closer links between home and school. PTA’s are best known for their fundraising work, but they have a useful social function too. Fundraising events provide an opportunity for parents, staff and pupils to get together. 

How is the PTA organised?
At most schools, all parents/carers and staff are automatically members of the PTA.
PTA’s hold their annual general meetings during the school year. At this meeting, a committee is elected to run the PTA – usually consisting of a chair, a vice-chair, a treasurer, a secretary and ordinary committee members. These ordinary members include at least one, and often two, parents from each class as 'class reps'. Their job is to pass on information from the PTA to other parents in their child’s class. PTA committees meet regularly to run fundraising events. 

How is money raised?
Most PTA’s raise money through events. The key focusses at St Louis include the Summer and Christmas Fairs, Quiz Night event, Valentines Discos, cake sales.  PTA’s are always looking for new fundraising ideas and anyone can submit them. Donations can also be made without any link to events.

How is money spent?
Funds raised by the PTA are intended to provide ‘extras’ not already provided by the school's main income – often 'fun things' that make learning more interesting and exciting. The PTA committee decide how to spend PTA funds following requests from the school. Common items include computers, playground & school equipment, toys, books and learning visit subsidies.  
 

How can I be involved in my PTA?
There are many different ways you can help with the PTA, whether you have lots of time to offer or not. Some of the roles are time-consuming, although also rewarding. If you can’t commit to a big job, look out for things you can do less frequently (e.g. running a stall at the summer fair, baking for a cake sale) or donating prizes for school competitions, raffles etc).

And you can always support PTA events by simply turning up.

We are a registered charity and as such must abide by the charity commission rules and regulations and are bound by the constitution. Our constitution sets out rules about how we operate and how we conduct ourselves.

Registered Charity Number: 1124123

Please join us: pta@stlouisacademy.co.uk