Do you volunteer, contribute or get involved at your dc school? Why or why not?

[Earlybird]

Just curious about who does and who doesn't, and their reasons...

No, of course not - but if you don't speak to the parents and ask them if they want to come along, then it does seem a teensy bit as if you're imposing your will on them! Fwiw, I wish more people would become more active in their local community, in whatever form that may take. I've been a Community Councillor for many years now - I do get a bit frustrated that there are not more local residents willing to come onto the Community Councillor, but recognise that not everyone is as bothered/committed/able/whatever as I am.

Btw - how do you know the parents (is that all of them?) don't turn up for parents night?

that should read onto the Community Council

I am 46 years old and my mother who was an Italian immigrant who left school at 14yrs was a governor at both my primary and my secondary schools. So it is certainly not true to say our parents never had anything to do with our schools My mother also helped a great deal in fundraising for my secondary school. My mother was certainly not an uber mum (whatever that is) and could in no way be described as middle class.

I have just become a governor at ds's school. The last time I looked, all state schools schools NEED a board of governors and some of those should be parent governors.

I like children and actually enjoy reading to them or hearing them read or helping out.

Wow, what a lot of misunderstanding.

NorthernLurker - volunteering is not just done by idle parents who want a power base at school.

For example, parent governors are a governmental requirement for a school to function.

Equally, after school clubs run by volunteers, be they staff or parents, often provide working parents with the chance to work a little bit longer before school pick up without paying for child care.

And as for the Victorian model you advocate - the play facilities provided by PTAs may be the only ones accessible to less priveleged children.

Why do you feel so strongly about this subject?

I was chair of PTA at primary school- not outstanding school/area, but raising £15000 a year. The enthusiasm was amazing- yet 5 years down the line there is no PTA- they can't get a committee together. Really sad.
I work for a charity, and do well beyond my hours/job remit because my job makes a difference to children and I love it. I sell poppies each year, because I think it's important. I have just volunteered to be on the committee at dds secondary school, because I want dd and her cohorts to have some extra things in their school.
I am not a busybody/religious/have too much time on my hands...I genuinely enjoy the cameraderie and buzz from doing something worthwhile.
However, I would struggle helping hearing children read and would rather stick pins in my eyes than help on a school trip, much to my dcs chagrin. There are other parents who like doing that.

I volunteer, as in my life before children, I was a pro musician (classical). I am passionate about children loving and being confident with music. So I help by singing and playing musical games with reception children.