Running your PTA

Food is often the centrepiece of PTA events, but it can be nerve-wracking for families managing allergies or dietary restrictions, or those with specific dietary preferences. Having knowledgeable volunteers to oversee food preparation is just one way to start creating an inclusive food offering. Some other ways include:

It isn’ t just about what you do: it’ s also about how you invite others to be part of it. Your communications and meetings should be accessible and welcoming, using plain language and avoiding technical jargon. If needed, offer simplified or translated communications, and in accessible formats( e. g. braille). Consider speaking to a language teacher at school for support with this. For events, details such as parking, toilets and quiet spaces should be shared in advance. You can always consult your community to understand what communications are working for them and identify where improvements may be needed.

Accessibility is about ensuring everybody can participate in your PTA’ s activities and events. Speaking with your school’ s pastoral and / or SENDCO team will help you to understand some of your community members’ needs and how to build accessibility into the foundation of your PTA. Every school is different, but some general steps you could take include:

• Hosting PTA meetings and events at accessible places and times

• Ensuring event layouts and pathways are suitable for those with mobility needs

• Creating clear visual schedules or symbols, or designating volunteers to explain instructions or event information

• Providing inclusive games and activities that don’ t only rely on loud noises or physical ability

• Creating quiet zones or sensory-friendly areas at events

• Speaking with parents and staff in advance to check events are safe and inclusive for children with complex medical needs

• Assigning a committee member as the Accessibility Officer to oversee event planning

• Clearly labelling all food items with allergen information

• Providing a‘ safe snacks’ table with pre-packaged items that meet common allergy needs

• Briefing volunteers on cross-contamination risks and safe food handling

• Offering a variety of options, including nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan choices

• For events aimed at adults with alcohol, offering non-alcoholic options too

• Ensuring first aiders are aware of any children’ s medical needs, as well as what to do in an emergency For diabetic children, speaking with parents about the best way to support their child

Put your PTA’ s focus on diversity into writing with an inclusion and diversity policy. The whole committee can refer back to it to ensure they’ re following best practice to help everyone feel welcome in your community. Find out more about creating your inclusion and diversity policy on our website: go. parentkind. org / constitution.

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