Five-Minute Marvels: Bringing Moorfield Primary PTA Back to Life!
After a number of parents left Moorfield Primary as their children moved onto secondary schools, the PTA had to close. Fortunately, a new group of parents arrived to bring it back – better than ever!
Who are they?
Moorfield Primary School has 281 students on its role. The Moorfield Primary PTA worked hard to enrich the school experience, but eventually hit a bump in the road. “Last year, quite a few PTA members left as their children moved on, so there just weren’t the numbers to keep it going,” says Danielle Farrar, a regular PTA volunteer. “It was such a shame, because the group had been really successful and made a positive impact on school life.”
What did they do?
Danielle, along with other parents, recognised the importance of the PTA, and decided to get together to see whether the group could be re-established. “I put my hand up for the role of secretary, and some parents volunteered for other roles,” Danielle explains. “At first, it seemed rather daunting because we didn’t really know where to start, so it was a big learning curve for all of us.”
How did they do it?
“I’d been doing a bit of homework to see what was involved in setting up a PTA, and found lots of resources available on Parentkind – things like risk assessment forms and templates to use.” Using social media, Danielle posted some questions to other PTAs on Parentkind’s Facebook page. “It was great being able to pick other people’s brains – they answered some specific queries we had, and gave us the information we needed to progress things quickly. It really helps asking others who have been in a similar position to where we were, as we can benefit from what they’ve learned.”
The newly formed group had its first ‘official’ meeting where they decided to support the school in raising £10,000 to replace its outdated playground equipment. “We know how much the children will enjoy and benefit from new equipment and although it’s a huge sum of money, we just really want to help,” says Danielle. To support their new fundraising goals, the team runs a varied programme of events throughout the year, from low-key non-uniform days, through to a Christmas fair, which requires a lot more planning. “We’ve tried to offer a range of events so that there’s something that will appeal to everyone. For larger events, we try to encourage involvement from the wider school community.” Thanks to the efforts of Danielle and the team, the revived PTA successfully raised £2,000 in its first year!
What’s next?
Danielle Farrar continues serving as the PTA Secretary, and is working hard to improve upon communication. “We’re getting better at telling everyone what we’ve been up to. It’s finding that balance of not asking too much of parents, but also making sure they know what a difference their support makes.” Danielle tells us that letters are sent out to parents via school communication, and the PTA have recently added a fundraising ‘thermometer’ in the school reception area. “We thought this would be quite an eye catching way of showing everyone how our fundraising is going.”
“Having helped to make a positive difference at my children’s school, I realise just how important the PTA role is. I found it really valuable being able to look at the resources on the Parentkind website, and chatting online to other parents on its social media channels. It’s so helpful being able to sound out other parents.”
Danielle advises to “Be open to ideas – we’re still learning from each event, and you sometimes have to adapt and change things that haven’t worked particularly well. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help – there are times when you need more pairs of hands. Finally, I’d say communicate the positive differences you’re making to your school and the benefits for the children. It’s a lot of hard work, but I find it very rewarding.”
With thanks to Danielle Farrar of the Moorfield Primary PTA.
Want to make your own marvel? Trying to kick-start your own PTA community?
- We have a wide variety of resources available to help on the Parentkind website, everything from overall PTA management, to event-specific information
- Need extra advice? Chat to other parents and PTAs on our PTA Hangout, or contact our Membership Support Team on 0300 123 5460, or by email
