Parent Contributions to school

[Almostapril]

Having just followed a recent thread and looked at huge sums raised by a PTA, I noticed that one of the schools mentioned asks parents to donate a sizeable sum to the school on an annual basis or by DD. (up to 20,000 raised) - our pta has historically kept away from such schemes, but I am now wondering if they are a common way of schools raising extra funds?
Has anyone else got this at their school?

We do, it's called the School Fund, and raises a few thousand a year (420kids). We raise about £12 through the PTA.

£12k that should be!

Thanks for your reply. We are a big school and lots of parents don't necessarily go to PTA Events so it got me pondering. Asking as it's not seen as compulsory I guess there is no harm

Personally, I'd much rather make a lump sum payment once a year than all the drip-drip funding through cake-sales, non-uniform days, discos, etc. which end up costing us all more money.

If someone asked me for a donation to school through DD my answer would be No.
If my Ds has some fun at school fair or disco and it raises money great however education is supposed to be free.

As with all PTA questions this must depend hugely on the demographic of your school. If you have a largely affluent intake I imagine this could make you a lot of money. At my DC's school I doubt they'd get any takers.

It's a very mixed intake. Some very affluent and some not so much. Multi faith and cultural. High percentage of working parents - very large busy afterschool club and breakfast clubs. I can see that some may take up the option to just throw some cash in towards school resources etc but it would have to be low key I think

My kids school does this, it's about £15 a year per child, capped at £25 per family IIRC. It's a school fund and not part of the PSA accounts.

I've not paid it for the last two years, school attempted to make me think it was compulsory but have given up now.

It depends on the ethos of the school.

Personally I think the whole thing about fundraising is a team effort (pta, parents, kids) , everyone using their skills, mucking in, kids being involved, helping the community, fun events for the children, setting a good work ethic example etc etc etc..well in an ideal world!

Otherwise it's pay the money then have little to do with the school, I find that quite sad! Schools do need and want funds of course.

For these schools I suggest that you ask them for sight of their policy in parental contributions, because they are all sailing close to the wind in expecting parents to contribute. They should not be asking for any money for anything during the school day other than a voluntary contribution, but a lot of the comments see rather more at the "expected" end of the spectrum with some in the demand end.

I wouldn't mind giving £10 or £15 a year. I'd like to know how the money is being spent, though.

Food for thought Thx

We're introducing a 100 club from September. It's an easy way for parents who want to contribute without having to give any time, and entirely voluntary. Plus the chance of winning something.
For the PTA it's almost money for nothing. Certainly less organisation than a disco of fayre.