PTFA - Who We Are

Milldene Primary School Parent, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) is exactly that, an association of parents, carers, family members and staff who organise fundraising and social events for the school with all proceeds and profits going to the school. 

The purpose of the Milldene PTFA is to:

• Support and enhance the educational experience at Milldene Primary School
• Develop a closer connection between home and school by encouraging parent/carer involvement
• Improve the environment at Milldene Primary School through volunteer and financial support. 

Every parent, carer and member of staff is automatically a member of the PTFA and is welcome to attend our half-termly meetings. Anyone can stand for election as an officer of the PTFA at our annual AGM. Alternatively, you can get involved in another capacity either as a volunteer or organiser of a PTFA event. We are always in need of help from you whether it is through your ideas, your donations or your time. 

How to get involved: 

There are lots of ways you can help and support the school through the PTFA. Your support is vital to enable us to put on fun events for our children and of course raise valuable funds. We understand that it is difficult to commit to being a PTFA member and attend meetings so we are always looking for casual helpers:

• At an event – could you man a stall for thirty minutes? Help set up or clear up at the school disco? Sell some ice lollies?
• Behind the scenes – are you a brilliant baker who could make cakes for our cake sales? Or perhaps you’re good at negotiating raffle prizes from local stores? Or count bags of donated clothes? Or plant some bulbs?
• You can even raise money for the PTFA from the comfort of your own armchair simply by shopping online through easyfundraising.org.uk (at no extra cost to you!).

Six reasons why our PTFA really matters

1.     It's great for the children (even if they don't realise it!)

Being active in the PTFA not only improves the school but makes you an excellent role model. Research confirms what we’ve always known: your children are very influenced by what you do and say. If your child hears positive things from you about the school they will be more positive; if they see you getting involved and having fun at their school, that makes a big difference too.

2.     It builds trust

Becoming part of the PTFA is a great way to get to know other parents and teachers while gaining an insight into the workings of the school. With parents and teachers striving towards the same goals, the parent group is instrumental in making a real difference in the school life of all children.

3.     It raises welcome funds

Whether it’s upgrading our swimming pool, stocking the classrooms with wet play equipment, arranging a visit from a top author, or taking the whole school to the pantomime, the funds raised from our activities impact massively on the opportunities and experiences of all the children at school.  Since June 2015, the PTFA has organised over 100 events for the children and families, raising nearly £50,000 (net)

4.     It gives you a voice

We work collaboratively with the school to decide how we spend PTFA funds, to ensure parents have a voice in how the school operates.

5.     It forges connections beyond the school gates

We are building relationships with the local community, from events, sponsorships from local businesses, and mentions in local press.

6.     It's good for you!

Did you know that volunteering can improve mental health and help you live longer? We rely on our parent helpers to make our events a success so offering to help before events or at other times during the year is so valuable. It doesn’t matter if you can’t help on a regular basis, or even if you can’t come into school. There are always jobs that can be done from home if you have half an hour to spare e.g. wrapping gifts, preparing raffle tickets etc. We really couldn’t achieve what we do without the behind the scenes help that we receive.

Is there really fun in ‘fun’draising?

Yes! We’ve been an active and busy part of school life since June 2015 and although fundraising is a crucial part of the PTFA’s role, it is also enjoyable and satisfying and has helped build confidence and learn new skills too.

Many of us are working parents with limited spare time, but who all enjoy being involved with our child’s school and who want to provide the best education and experience for our child. The experiences that our children have while at school include what’s run (and paid for) by the PTFA.