Beddington Buddies’ – Helping the School. A Guide to Beddington Infants’ PTA (Parent Teacher Association)
As a parent/carer of a child attending Beddington Infants’ School, you automatically become a member of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), renamed by the children as Beddington Buddies.
The objective of Beddington Buddies is to advance the education of the children of Beddington Infants’ School. To this end Beddington Buddies provides and assists in the provision of facilities and resources to support the vision of the school. We foster extended relationships between the staff, parents/carers and others who are interested in the needs and welfare of the children. One of the main ways we do this is by raising funds to enhance the school life of the pupils; educationally, personally and socially.
Over the years we have raised many thousands of pounds, which have been spent on improving equipment and resources to enhance the children’s education and overall experience.
How the Committee Works
The Beddington Buddies Committee meets on a regular basis, at least once per half term. Details of the meetings are advertised on the Beddington Buddies Notice-board on our Lodge which is located by the lawn at the front of the school. We also notify families of meetings by e-mail. The meetings are open to any family who would like to find out more about Beddington Buddies, or become involved in specific events.
How We Raise Money
Like most PTAs, the majority of our funds are raised through events that we run, which are mapped out at the start of the academic year. We are always looking for new ideas from parents/carers and children and of course, volunteers to run them! Our main fundraisers are, the Christmas and Summer Fairs, although there are lots of other events. All activities are run by parents/carers and we are always looking for help however great or small your contribution – it all helps!
The dates of events are advertised well in advance, through posters and the Beddington Buddies Newsletter which outlines the activities and also how families can help or contribute. Before each fair we have two Mufti Days (when children wear their own clothes) in return for bringing a donation for a specific stall.
How the Money is spent
We feel that it is really important to advertise the amount of money raised, particularly from organised events – as everyone puts so much time and effort into making them a success. The amounts are advertised in Beddington Buddies Newsletter or on Beddington Buddies Notice-board.
Through regular discussions with the headteacher, we spend funds in ways that will benefit all children. Committee members vote on which projects to support. Last year we bought 10 new laptops which further enhanced the flexibility of the curriculum, adding to the iPads the committee had previously provided. There are regular items that we fund such as £500 to each year group each yeas to keep the cost of school trips as low as possible.
The school has exciting plans to further develop the learning outside opportunities, including replacing the current climbing frame. The previous committee made the new climbing frame in the Nursery possible. They were thrilled to see how seriously the Nursery children took their role in designing their ideal climbing frame, and how thrilled the children were when it was installed,
We look forward to meeting you and working with you to support the vision of the school and therefore, the learning experiences of our children.
