Running your PTA
Do we need to offer a quiet space during our disco?
While it’ s not a legal requirement, we strongly recommend it. Having a quiet space will help make your event more inclusive of pupils with SEND and can make a big difference for pupils with autism or sensory processing challenges. Other simple adjustments to consider are:
• Setting up a refreshments room that doubles as a quiet area
• Using subtle lighting and lower volume in part of the venue
• A silent disco, where children wear headphones and control their own volume
We have a group of parents who turn up to every event but sit in a corner waiting to collect their children. We’ d love to get them involved since they’ re already there – how do we approach them?
Start with a friendly chat! Thank them for attending and ask if they’ d like to help with something small – like handing out snacks or setting up chairs. Sometimes people just need a personal invitation to feel welcome. If the problem persists, consider changing your policies so only those in a volunteering / supporting role can stay during events.
Inclusive discos allow all children to participate, regardless of their needs. Small changes can make a big difference in how welcome and supported pupils feel.
We have a member who keeps asking the PTA to intervene with complaints to the school, we’ ve explained that it’ s not the PTAs job to do this, but it keeps happening. How do we explain they have to follow school procedure?
We have a Class Rep who wishes to join the committee, can they do both?
Absolutely! Class Reps often make fantastic committee members. Their insight and connection to parents is invaluable and many PTAs encourage Class Reps to take on broader roles. But like any member, they will need to be elected.
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You’ ll need to gently but firmly remind them that the PTA isn’ t the right channel for school complaints. Point them to the school’ s formal complaints procedure, which can often be found on the school’ s website, and explain that the PTA’ s role is to support enrichment, not governance. It is important to maintain the separation between the PTA and school. While tempting to support parents with their complaints, it is not within the remit of the PTA.
Got an issue you need advice on? Contact Clare and her team:
Helpline 0300 123 5460( Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
info @ parentkind. org
Message us at PTA Expert by Parentkind or post a question in our community group PTA Hangout by Parentkind
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