PTAs estimate to have lost, on average, £4,367 in income in the 2020/21 school year as traditional fundraising events were cancelled due to school closures and coronavirus restrictions. Even post-pandemic, PTAs face the risk of being impacted by the cost of living increase, meaning that families and well-wishers will struggle to donate as much.
In the academic year 2020/21, the Christmas fair, usually the most successful event of a PTA’s calendar year, was only the biggest money-spinner for 10%. Instead, almost three in ten (29%) said that a raffle was their top earner, in a drastic reversal since 2019/20. Despite PTA innovations to get around Covid restrictions, more than half (56%) said virtual events were less successful than in-person events, and only 10% said they were more successful, with many parent groups uncertain about holding virtual events in future.
Evidence suggests, however, that while traditional fundraising might be a struggle, parent volunteers are rising to the challenge. New membership figures show that committee members gave more volunteering hours this last year compared to previous years. They now average more than eight hours per week, up from six and a half in 2019. Figures suggest that while financial contributions might be tough during the cost of living squeeze, donating time is on the increase. Parents’ dedication will ensure that they forge a stronger and more engaged school community. Parent volunteers said that their primary roles in contributing to school life were:
- raising funds or other resources for their school (72%)
- holding events and other activities to build the school community (63%)
- enhancing communication between parents and school (66%)
- helping parents to have a voice at school (70%)
Recognising the vital contributions that PTAs make to their schools, especially against a backdrop of trying circumstances, Parentkind held its second annual National PTA Week from 20th to 24th June. Each day celebrated the achievements of parent groups across the UK, paying tribute to their extraordinary contributions to school life. The National PTA Awards categories included Champion PTA, Changing the Life of the School, Community Initiative of the Year, Fundraising Achievement of the Year, New PTA of the Year and PTA of the Year.