As a small school, our budget is always tight, and we constantly strive to remain sustainable. It has not been easy to get our school back on a sound financial footing, and living within our means without compromising on the quality of service we provide is challenging.

 

Increasingly, we cannot afford the little extras. For them, we rely on the generosity of stakeholders through donations or purchases from the Amazon Wishlist and, even more so, the extraordinary commitment of our PTA. Just in the short time I have been at this school, the money they raise has provided a large display board, transport for every child to the pantomime, new books for class libraries and support with the building extension. The events they organise also bring our community together. Our PTA are both a lifeline to and the lifeblood of our school, enabling valuable improvements and delivering unmissable experiences.

 

We are incredibly lucky to have a PTA. I previously worked at a much larger setting where the PTA simply disappeared for lack of support. Sadly, the result was a considerably poorer school, both materially and spiritually.

 

Our PTA had their AGM at school just before half term. There was a frankly disappointing number of parents and carers in attendance; moreover, several of the leading members have children shortly leaving primary school.

 

If we are to maintain our PTA and everything that means for pupils, I must appeal for more support to come forward. Attending a meeting or generally lending a hand does not bind you into assuming a leadership role or ceaseless demands on your time; you are, however, making a real difference to the lives of our children, and there is a lot of fun to be had along the way too.

 

For additional information, please email: pta@northaw.herts.sch.uk.