January jobs for PTAs: Making the most of a quiet month

PTAs

07 January 2026

Image: A woman working on a laptop on a sofa, her primary school-aged son sitting next to her on a tablet device.

Caroline Hayward is a Parentkind PTA Community Adviser and former PTFA Chair.

January can feel like a bit of a lull for PTAs. The festive buzz has faded, budgets are tight and big events might not be on the horizon just yet. But don’t be fooled — this quieter month is actually a golden opportunity to regroup, reflect and get ahead for the rest of the year.

Here are some productive and budget-friendly jobs your PTA can focus on this month:

1. Review and reflect

Take stock of what worked well last term. What events were successful? What could be improved? A short committee meeting or online catch-up can help you gather feedback and set priorities for the months ahead.

2. Tidy up the admin

Now’s the perfect time to:

Update your contact lists and volunteer database
Review your constitution and policies
Check your insurance and charity status (if applicable)
Organise your digital files and folders

It may not be glamorous, but it sets a strong foundation for the rest of the year.

3. Plan ahead

Start mapping out your spring and summer events. Even if you’re not ready to launch anything just yet, getting dates in the diary and assigning early tasks can make a huge difference later on.

Think about:

Booking venues or equipment early
Drafting event plans or risk assessments
Creating a calendar of fundraising ideas

4. Connect with the school

Touch base with your headteacher or school liaison. Are there any upcoming school priorities your PTA could support? Are there new families joining who might benefit from a welcome message or introduction to the PTA?

5. Celebrate your wins

Take a moment to share your achievements from last term. A simple newsletter, social media post or school noticeboard update can remind parents of the impact you’ve made and encourage new volunteers to get involved.

If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or just need a fresh perspective, remember you’re not alone. The Parentkind PTA Community Team is here to help. Whether you need advice, resources or just someone to talk things through with, they’re only a message away.

You can also join the PTA Hangout on Facebook, where you’ll find a supportive network of fellow PTA members who understand the highs and lows of the role.

January might be quiet but it’s full of potential. Use this time to recharge, regroup and get ready for a brilliant year ahead. And remember, every small step you take now helps build a stronger, more connected school community.