PTA/Parent Council -Spending funds- Ideas?

[joannec74]

What does your school PTA/Parent Council help to fund. Looking for ideas.

We've funded new reading scheme books, large outdoor equipment - climbing wall, monkey bars etc, painting on playground floor, canopy/shelter for the playground. Then every year we go in and make something with everyone individually for Mother's Day which we fund, we give Leavers presents at the end of the year and pay for a buffet lunch at the Christmas party.

All the big spending is normally off the headmasters wish list.

Thank you. Has your PTA ever applied for funding or do they always finance from fundraising.

Digital cameras, visualizers, scooters, a visit from Father Christmas to each class worth a gift for child

We fund school trips too - last year it was around £200 per class, which generally covered the transport costs for each trip.

Also Christmas selection boxes and Easter eggs for every child (more controversial) and an end-of-year treat for outgoing Y6.

Digital cameras for each class was a big outlay but get weekly if not daily use.

Thank you. Has your PTA ever applied for funding or do they always finance from fundraising.

Ours has paid for whiteboards, a redevelopment of the reception area, school trips, playground stuff, and some of the many professionals that come into the school to help kids with SEN. Also occasional things like gifts for the whole school.

As far as I know (not being part of running the PTA, more a willing volunteer) no funding has ever been applied for.

I think we only fundraise (including some people's employer-matched direct debits). We are sitting on a large balance so it would be bonkers to apply for further funds other schools need more urgently.

Last year the PTA funded an iPad or an iPad mini for every child in years 1 through to 6. They remain the property of the school.
The year before a small marque for the school to use.
The year before it purchased a laser cutter for DT.
The year before new playground equipment and an outdoor classroom for infants.
Smaller purchases over the last few years have included all in one waterproofs for EYFS, outdoor play equipment for EYFS.