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Original poster

To question school spending £20000 on event space in school car park…

109 replies

OrangeCrushing · 22/03/2025 06:12

It’s an infants school, just set back from busy main road.

No gates.
Random cars regularly use car park to do 3 point turn.
Car park always full and then dubious parking.

Shed to one side (close to car park entrance) has been turned into an event space.

It’s not huge, maybe 10/15 children. But no outside space, and if door is open you wouldn’t want a child going outside into car park/near the main road without close supervision by an adult.

Think idea is to hire it out to generate more money for school.

I’ve been told that school can’t afford reading books/library books changed. So children get the same reading book 6 times or for two weeks in a row. Library is rarely used.
Money raised for event space has been raised by PTA, who are amazing and very well meaning.
However, I honestly don’t think we are going to see lots of new reading books, someone helping with library as a result.

It feels like the priorities are wrong?
I would have focused on securing the car park with gates first, ensuring reading resources are adequate - and then gradually putting additional funding towards the event space…

OP posts:
Original poster
OrangeCrushing · 22/03/2025 06:35

@smokymountain

I was last year -I’ve taken a back step this year because of this craziness in the car park!
I think it’s partly funded by school, partly by PTA.

I think the head/PTA must work together though - to decide where money is needed. I can see how it wouldn’t directly fund a librarian - but could release funding elsewhere to ensure the library is - at least - used.

And I can’t see how the event space can be safely used until the car park is safe???

OP posts:
CheckoutChump · 22/03/2025 06:32

I don’t really understand your post and the event space but 2 things:

The PTA should have rules around what it does/n’t support. Things that should be covered by core school budget are excluded and it should be in the power of the PTA to agree/not.

I’m a school governor and you clearly know little about how school finances work.

WonderingWanda · 22/03/2025 06:31

What kind of events will be held there? My kids primary school used to rent out their hall for parties, community events, Karate lessons etc. They also had a community pool on site which the public could use outside of school hours. I think it's common for schools to rent out spaces and it can be a way to get funding for things the school needs. This doesn't sound like a space the kids will benefit from though. Although I'm having a hard time imagining it as more than a small shed. Will it have a toilet? Kitchen facilities. It's not going to be any more lucrative than renting out a classroom surely?

smokymountain · 22/03/2025 06:28

PTA funds can’t be used for core activities (eg paying staff to work in the library). They could be used for resources (eg books). But school budgets are so tight, spending on something that will generate future income probably seemed like a better way idea. The PTA is a completely separate entity to the school, so it’s their choice how funds are spent. Are you an active member of the PTA? You could have more influence that way. Or become a governor and then you can scrutinise the budget!

Original poster
OrangeCrushing · 22/03/2025 06:24

I think they will try and afford a third non teaching ‘senior manager’…

OP posts:
Original poster
OrangeCrushing · 22/03/2025 06:23

@OkayLetMeKnowHowItGoes

Only I’m 100% sure there will be no new reading books appearing…

OP posts:
OkayLetMeKnowHowItGoes · 22/03/2025 06:22

The event space will have the potential to raise revenues for the school, allowing them to buy books etc year on year.

Gates will only ever cost more money for maintenance.

It feels a bit like the old adage “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”.

Original poster
OrangeCrushing · 22/03/2025 06:21

@TeenToTwenties

The school can afford two non-teaching senior managers - and I’m aware of a third teacher who has a class, but is rarely in the classroom. Class is often taught by TA’s. They are all very ‘close’ and defensive of each other. It feels like the event space is funding their wages.

OP posts:
TeenToTwenties · 22/03/2025 06:15

I don't quite understand the 'event space'.
However if this was either PTA I was treasurer for I would be wanting to see the financial case for this before I would sign the cheque.

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