To suggest our head teacher starts asking for parent contributions?

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It seems as though many of you pay a regular sum or money to your schools to help with their finances. Our primary school has not requested this but I think they should. The school is in a wealthy area with very well off parents.

I read on a thread earlier that someone was paying £30 per year. This seems very low. I would happily pay a few hundred (obviously not everyone can afford this - I do realise that - but the demographic at our school mostly could).

Would I be unreasonable to propose to the school that they introduce an optional annual contribution from parents? I imagine they will have considered it but it must be a difficult thing for them to raise.

Also, how many of you with school age children are already doing this?

We are asked told £20 per month per child. I'd love to know what the take up is.

Of and that's for the PTFA, we also have contributions for science, tech and art.

Our head is an odd person fell out with the PTA three years ago it fell apart. So no PTA. Won't see parents deferring issues to the teachers. They're strapped for cash but I can't imagine them asking for money, pens, etc ever.

Some schools have Amazon wish lists or similar so parents can buy resources for schools. Obviously voluntary.

School funding is in dire straits
www.theguardian.com/education/2022/oct/22/exclusive-90-of-uk-schools-will-go-bust-next-year-heads-warn

It's not really though is it, they are those parents kids. Those of us without kids don't get a bloody rebate.

Is this common practice everywhere in the U.K. ? I’m in Scotland and never had this . PTA does fundraise with school parties school BBQ and other functions . But no way would I ever accept random requests for money . That’s why I pay taxes

I am a teacher who buys stationery, display supplies and other learning equipment from my own pocket regularly.

I would be horrified at the thought of our school writing to parents asking them to make a financial contribution.

Surely this is contradictory? If you're having to buy things out of your pocket, surely an additional contribution is necessary? What about teachers who can't afford to buy supplies themselves? As cost of living increases, mortgage rates go through the roof, there will be more teachers in that position.

However, I think any contribution should be voluntary. There should be a way of doing it privately and directly to the school.

First two paragraphs are a quote, btw. Otherwise I'm contradicting myself.

@Haudyourwheesht Yes, it does seem to contradict! I only bring up the buying supplies myself to demonstrate that I understand the day-to-day realities of the problem. Additional funds are definitely necessary, I just don't think that we should be asking for them from parents.

Why don't you start a pta?

If you'd happily pay a few hundred, why don't you? Without suggesting that other people put their hands in their pockets.

Nothing stopping you, is there?

YANBU

i contribute a size-able amount to our youngests primary school (as our eldest is in private we use the same amount we’d be paying for his fees towards the local primary) and think all parents should if they have the means

My sons school doesn't ask for money for trips even the over night events, we aren't allowed spending money and this week's Halloween party is being paid for by the PTA fundraising at parents evening. They held a raffle.

Our school has a anti poverty policy so no child will miss out.

If they asked for a contribution I would give what I could, but not all parents would be able to that.

Absolutely not!! The more parents and teachers pay from their own pockets, the longer it will take for government to sort it out. I know it comes from the right place- but it's not right to ask for money from parents.

I think suggesting they e.g. set up an amazon wishlist for the school could be helpful. You could then buy items you feel would be useful and other parents could if they wish. Unfortunately, the biggest costs are salaries, and parental donations aren't allowed to be used towards these. But I am sure teachers will appreciate extra resources donated by parents.

But you should also lobby your MP to increase funding for schools.

I think you’re maybe thinking of voluntary aided schools, which are allowed to do this

When our 2 were in primary school, we would go/organise & contribute to several fundraising events every year; DH often said he would be much happier to make an annual donation rather than having to think of new ideas and spend hours setting up the school hall or the grounds.

The worst that can happen is parents say no. I expect there will be some parents who are happy to contribute.

I really feel that those who have views should take action and do something about it.
I co chair a PTA - we try not to 'hound' people, but by raising money for specific school improvement projects that benefit all pupils, the school has more money for their essentials. I do it because the school was in severe financial difficulty a few years ago and I want my ds and all the other children to have a fantastic school experience.
We also give back - we gift treats for children at Christmas & Easter, and free activities at the larger fundraisers we do. And social events for the parents / guardians too.

My children's primary school asked for tangible things like handwash and tissues.It worked well and I doubt if it caused any hardship to anyone.
Wealthy areas can have parents with heavy outgoings and I wouldn't like to make any assumptions.

DD1's secondary school has suggested £30 per year up till now. On Friday we got a letter about school fund where it was suggested between £120-£240 per child. I nearly fainted!

Just because you’re in an affluent area and they can afford it doesn’t mean they’ll donate. I’ve found there’s a selfish attitude around parents with money. My children go to a school with extremes of well off parents and parents really struggling. When I talk to other parents about the donation days I’m always surprised that more of the well off parents aren’t more enthusiastic, it’s often the ones who I know don’t have a lot who’ll make sure their child brings in a tin of buns etc.

Another point is, due to my address, I’d be classed as one of the more well off parents when actually I’m on a budget. I would be mortified to not be able to contribute to a voluntary donation if most were doing it, which just adds to the pressure.

Actually let me correct that, it wasn't so much suggested as informed.

In my experience the term voluntary can be used very loosely, I stopped paying the VOLUNTARY donation when I found out the teachers kept a list of all people who didn't pay it and and slagged them off for it and picked the children of the paying parents to do nice things.
I think it's an awful idea in the current climate and would refuse to pay, you say it's a wealthy area but you have no idea about people's finances, why can't you just pay if you want to and not drag everyone else in to it, or do some fundraising? You say they don't have a PTA so if you can't start one look into ideas for fundraising you could do yourself.

My DC school set up a book list at a local independent bookshop where parents can pay for books for the school if they’d like to. Totally anonymous, no pressure, local people in the town can buy books too. Could you suggest something like this to the HT?

Our local bookshop did that too, good for the school, good for the independent bookshop