Crown Wood Primary

Crown Wood
Primary School

Parent School Association (PSA)

What is the PSA?

We are very fortunate at our school that the PSA is, and has been for many years, such an integral part of the school community. In its time the PSA has raised thousands of pounds, which have been spent on improving equipment and resources to enhance our children’s education and the facilities in school in general. But the PSA is about much, much more than just fundraising.

The PSA exists to provide closer links between home and school, and it is an excellent way to bring staff, parents and friends together socially in support of the school, working towards a common goal. Obviously as in any organisation, there are times when it is more challenging’, but with the continued support of parents and staff, we have always succeeded in our efforts. All parents and members of the school community can get involved if they want to, even if they only have a small amount of time available, and all parents are automatically members of the PSA when their children join our school.

The PSA is extremely conscious of the ethos and morals of our school, and we try very hard when organising and planning events to respect this. Not all of our events are run with the sole purpose of raising funds. In fact, the majority are run with the aim of giving the children a good time and as a way of thanking families for their continued support.

Role of the Committee

The PSA committee consists of 3 Officers (Chair, Treasurer and Secretary). We also have several other ordinary committee members to make up the full committee.

The Committee meet on a regular basis usually once per half term, with smaller working groups meeting as necessary to organise larger more complicated events.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Our Annual General Meeting is held at the beginning of the academic year and this is an opportunity for all parents to come along and hear in more detail about events run, funds raised and how the money has been spent. It is also the occasion when we elect our new committee.

How We Raise Money

Like most PSAs, the majority of our funds are raised through the events that we run. Some of our most popular events are:

The Summer Fayre – Held in the summer term on the school field. It includes a variety of small games, sporting competitions, raffles and tombolas;

Children’s Discos – held in the Autumn and Spring terms;

The Christmas Fayre – Held in the autumn term in the school hall and classrooms. It includes a variety of small games, competitions, raffles and tombola’s;

Lakeside Christmas Shopping Trip – A coach trip is organised for a day of shopping at Lakeside Shopping Centre

Other recent events we’ve held include a Royal Wedding Party for the children. In addition to events, we have a number of other fundraising activities throughout the school year including Non-Uniform days. 

So you can see there is always something going on. We always try and respond to the children’s requests for events and it is truly the icing on the cake to see them having fun at the events or enjoying using a piece of new equipment that the PSA has donated.

The success of our fundraising activities is enhanced by donations and these are therefore extremely important. These can be time, money, items for sale, prizes for raffles or offers of services and skills. Even small donations make a big difference to us. We’re always on the lookout for other good fundraising ideas so be sure to let us know if you have any suggestions and watch this space for new initiatives coming soon.

How We Spend the Money We Raise

Once money is raised from events the funds are banked straight away. It is at our PSA Committee Meetings, that the decisions on how to spend the money are agreed. Often, Mrs Griffiths (our Head teacher) will have a shopping list’ of items that the school would like to purchase. Sometimes this will be as a result of the children asking for something. At other times it will be for resources to improve a particular area of school environment. In the main the PSA funds are for the extras’ not provided by the school budget, that make our children’s learning experiences so much more fulfilling and exciting.

The money we raise is usually spent fairly quickly. That way, you can be sure that in supporting our school, your child/ren will feel the benefit, along with everybody else. Of course there have been times when we have been fundraising for a large project, as in new playground equipment and markings. However, whilst saving for these, we have still managed to find funds for smaller items thanks to the generous and continued support of our parents. The PSA does have other ongoing commitments every year.

How Can You Get Involved

There are lots of ways you can help and support your child through the PSA.

Offering to help before events or at other times during the year is so valuable – it really is a case of many hands make light work’. 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 little 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 unseen army of help’ that exists in school.

You can of course if you feel able, volunteer to be a Committee Member. Or you can simply support the AGM and give us your ideas for fundraising events – this is also the time to ask questions or voice your opinion.

You can help by letting us know if you have any business contacts or skills we could use – anything is valuable to us. Below are examples of the skills that are always needed:

  • Helping pair of hands
  • Art and design
  • Marketing and publicity
  • Negotiating deals
  • Baking and cooking
  • IT skills
  • Selling
  • Creative ideas

 

PSA Documents

Show list Show Grid