What is a constitution and do we need one?
This is the document that details the rules and regulations by which the association should be run and is often called the governing document. Parentkind encourages all PTAs to have a constitution and offers a best practice model for PTAs. For more information about becoming a member of Parentkind here
Who can be a committee member?
Anyone who falls into the membership criteria, as defined in the constitution, can put themselves forward for a committee role. They have to be voted into position, rather than appointed.
Can we have teachers on the committee?
As long as your association is a PTA or a Friends association, then they are eligible to put their names forward. It is often really helpful to have a teacher, or head teacher elected as a committee member for good working between school and PTA. But you will need to ensure there is no conflict of interest, particularly around spending funds.
What's the difference between a PA, PTA, PSA, PTFA and a Friends Association?
The type of association is defined by its membership and this will be set out in your constitution.
Usually, the automatic members of a parents association (PA) are the parents, guardians or carers of children attending the school. In a parent teacher association (PTA), parent staff (PSA) or home-school association (HAS), it is parents, guardians or children, plus teaching and non-teaching staff currently employed by the school.
In a Friends group or parent teacher friends association (PTFA) it is as described previously, and any person over the age of 18 wishing to offer appropriate support or help and who is accepted by the committee as a member.
When should we hold our AGM?
Typically an AGM is held either towards the end or at the beginning of the school year. This is a good point in time to review what has happened during the year, and to recruit new committee members.