Primary school offer day: how to welcome new pupils and their parents
Image: A primary school-age boy in school uniform holding a cuddly toy, walking and holding hands with an adult.
Event ideas for induction days
It might not be a fundraiser, but organising a welcome event on your school’s induction day is a great way to strengthen your school community. It also gives parents an insight into the work your PTA does. You never know, you might even end the day with a few new volunteers! Here are some ways you can welcome new starters:
- Teddy bears’ picnic
- Coffee and cake morning
- Mini disco
- Barbecue
- Mini sports day
Welcome packs and gifts
When the parents and children arrive for your welcome event, why not give them each a little gift pack to remember the day? You can purchase some inexpensive A4 plastic wallets and fill them with anything you want, such as:
- An information sheet about your PTA and how parents can get involved
- A reading book suitable for the age range of the new starters
- A laminated handwriting worksheet and a whiteboard pen so the children can practice before the start of term
- Some fun activity sheets for the summer holidays
- Any vouchers or discounts you may have from local businesses
Pre-loved and re-loved
Does your school have a second-hand uniform stall? Consider setting it up on an induction day, or hold a separate event just for reception starters (and it’s a great way to let new parents know they can donate their child’s uniform to you when they grow out of it).
Be School Ready
Every year we open up orders for Be School Ready, our much-loved printed guides for parents of reception starters, which are completely free for our members. These guides contain all the information parents need to get their little one ready to start school, and also introduce the incredible work your PTA does for your local community.
Our orders are closed for 2025, but you can find out more information on our website, plus you can share the link with parents new to your school — the online guide is available to all and we have plenty of free information and resources that they can use.
Thinking of holding a teddy bears’ picnic?
For more ideas on welcoming new starters, download our ultimate PTA guide to teddy bears’ picnics from Your PTA Expert.
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