Running your PTA
Are we expected to spend our own money on PTA items and then be reimbursed?
There shouldn’ t be an expectation of this. Your committee should agree an expenses policy that outlays how much can be spent by an individual at a time( if anything), and make sure there are receipts to back all spending. You could also use a pre-paid card for purchases, where committee members can spend a pre-approved amount loaded onto the card by the Treasurer. You certainly shouldn’ t be expected to make expensive individual purchases for your PTA, and all spending should be agreed in advance by your committee. A model expenses policy is available to download from our website: go. parentkind. org / model-expenses-policy
We really want to buy some books for the school, but we don’ t know which ones to buy. We have so many favourites between us, we can’ t make a decision!
Talk to the school – they will know which books they need the most, or which ones get read so much they need replacing more often!
How often should we be purchasing items for the school?
There’ s no strict rule around this. Some PTAs spend throughout the year as and when the school requests something. Some will have a timeframe, such as at the beginning or end of every school year. Find out what works best for you and your school. Sit down with the school to find out their preferences and what their plans are so you can think of some things you could fund in line with this, or go through any ideas your PTA may have had. We recommend the school gives your PTA a wish list so you’ ve got some choice. They may have a large project that will need more time and fundraising to complete.
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The school have received a complaint about a committee member. What are they expected to do?
The school should acknowledge the complaint, but your PTA is separate from the school. Schools can step in as an objective third party to help resolve conflicts, but they shouldn’ t lead any enquiries. With that in mind, the school will need to ask whoever has complained to speak directly to your PTA. Once you receive their complaint, your PTA should follow a complaints procedure to manage it. If you don’ t have one in place, you can use the template available on our website: go. parentkind. org / model-complaints-procedure
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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