Woman: School of thought
If you have children, you might want to be more involved in what goes on with their education. Heather Large goes back to school to find out about the PTA. . .
When we left school we most likely assumed that we would never step foot inside a classroom again. We probably celebrated there being no more homework or teachers.
But when you become a parent, school suddenly becomes an important part of everyday life once again and will be for many years.
Increasingly busy schedules may mean involvement in your child’s school is limited purely to drop-offs, pick-ups and parents’ evenings.
There is plenty of evidence, however, that having a more active role in school life can have huge benefits for children and there are many ways for parents to join in, no matter how much or little time you can spare.
PTA UK is on a mission to encourage more parents to return to school which could include joining a school parent teacher association (PTA).
Members of PTAs provide a willing workforce for the school when extra hands are needed, hold social events to bond the school community, run extra-curricular clubs for children and adults, and support parents through times of change.
If you are interested in getting involved in your PTA start by finding out if there is a website or Facebook page where you can keep up to date with planned activities and discussions. If not the school will have contact details and be able to put you in touch with the committee.
But if this doesn’t appeal then volunteering time to raise funds to support the classroom and getting involved in school sports or trips are other ways of getting involved.
Classroom helpers in primary schools are often parents, and teachers will often ask families to help with drama productions or with one-off events at the school.
If you have expertise in a certain area or see a need that fits your interest and skill set, contact your child’s teacher to see if there is a way to volunteer in that area.
Experts say that children love seeing their parents in school and that it is a great way of building their confidence especially when they are young. It will also crucially show your children that you are interested in their education.
For parents it’s the chance to have a bigger say in how your child’s school is run, take part in activities that directly benefit it and make friends too. If you want to go one step further you could apply to become a school governor or trustee depending on available vacancies.
They’re involved in decisions about all aspects of managing the school such as running buildings and budgets, supporting staff and setting standards of discipline. They are also called upon to make big decisions about the school’s long-term goals. Governors or trustees will support headteachers wherever possible but at the same time they will also ask questions and make sure the headteacher is taking the school in the right direction. It can be a busy role but a rewarding one too.
But if you haven’t got time to get involved in running events, attending them will benefit the school especially if they are being held to raise funds. Whether they are book fairs, class shows or sporting events, show your support and encourage your child to be proud of their school.
Michelle Doyle Wildman, policy and communications director at PTA UK, says: “Everyone’s idea of a good education is different, and what suits one family will almost certainly differ from the next. What evidence shows us, however, is that when a parent is positively involved in their child’s school and education, that child does better academically, emotionally and behaviourally,” she adds.
So how can parents do their bit? Well, most often parents will help with homework. In fact, according to its annual parent survey, PTA UK found that a very promising nine out of 10 parents have been involved in this way compared to over three quarters having attended a parents’ evening.
“Mums and dads also get involved in their school parent teacher association (PTA) volunteering their time to raise funds to support the classroom, school sports or trips.
Volunteering
“PTA UK members reported spending around three million hours a year volunteering their time in schools nationwide, reading with children in the classroom, running school clubs, and spending time to fill out grant applications among other activities,” Michelle says.
“This works out to about £20 million worth of time invested in our schools which couldn’t be provided any other way.”
If the PTA doesn’t appeal, what about having a say in school life? Some schools have parent councils or forums, which act as consultative bodies with a direct line into the headteachers or governors.
“In this way parents can have a say in matters that may affect them including uniform or homework policy as well as the future direction of the school,” Michelle suggests.
“Of course parents can also become school governors or trustees in their own right. Parents are a vital piece of the education puzzle and a force for good in our schools. And, when working in partnership with teachers, can help our children reach their full potential. What’s more, it can also be fun and life-affirming too.”
* For further information see pta.org.uk/parents/get-involved-at-school
