Supporting your school
National PTA of the Year Award
Winners: Lydeard St Lawrence PTFA
“ A small group with a big heart can make all the difference.”
" As headteacher of a small but mighty school, I can say with certainty that the PTFA team has played a vital role in not only enriching school life, but in securing its very future. In recent years, our school has been on a significant improvement journey. Like many small schools, we’ ve faced challenges, but ours have been amplified by rural isolation and the long shadow cast by the Covid-19 pandemic. Through it all, the PTFA have stood beside us, steadfast, passionate and utterly committed to ensuring that our children have a vibrant, nurturing place to learn and grow.
Following the disruption of Covid-19, when community connections had frayed and children returned with new emotional needs, the PTFA became the heartbeat of the school’ s recovery. They helped rebuild not just structures and spaces, but hope, confidence and joy. Their actions reconnected families, re-energised staff and reminded the children that their school was still a place of warmth, care and possibility.
Their initiatives have been both imaginative and deeply meaningful. The magical tractor run – a joyful celebration of our farming community – has become a much-loved annual event. It raises vital funds but, more importantly, it honours our rural identity, building pride and belonging among children and families.
They created our growing garden, a space where the whole school comes together to grow, harvest, prepare and cook. It’ s not just a garden – it’ s a living classroom that teaches sustainability, responsibility and wellbeing. The PTFA opened the gardens to raise money for St Margaret ' s Hospice, working with the children to celebrate our ECO school.
Their commitment to reading saw them provide a book for every child, promoting literacy and the simple pleasure of owning a story for guided reading. And through Year 6 ambassador projects, they’ ve supported leadership development, giving pupils purpose, voice and responsibility.
Beyond our school gates, the PTFA’ s vision continues to grow. They’ ve recently begun working with other PTFAs across the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust( BWMAT), hosting joint sports days and creating shared experiences that foster unity across schools.
Their donation of space for School of Rock anti-bullying workshops shows a deep and ongoing commitment to kindness, inclusion and the wellbeing of all children – not just their own.
Above all, the PTFA fights for equity. They ensure every child can access trips, activities and essentials, quietly supporting families with dignity and care. Their impact can be seen in growing confidence, better attendance, calmer behaviour and children who know they matter. They are proof that a small group with a big heart can make all the difference.”
- Words by Rebecca Lihou, Headteacher
24 PARENTKIND. ORG SUMMER 2026