A warm welcome from your PTA

What is a PTA?

The PTA is run by a team of volunteers from all sorts of walks of life bringing a variety of skills and experience.  We're parents, carers, friends and supporters of the school – just like you. Not so long ago, we were new too.

 

We hold events to bring the communities of school and home closer together because it makes sense for parents to be involved in the life of their child’s school, it helps you know what is happening and have the opportunity to make a difference. 

 

Why does the school have a PTA?

The Parent Teacher Association at Ingatestone and Fryerning Junior School has been running for over 30 years!  We are a diverse group of people who all have the same goals in mind – to help broaden the children’s education and give parents a voice in the school.

The main function of our PTA is to support the school, pupils and staff by raising as much money as we can, to enhance, enrich, and improve learning experiences for the children as well as provide the occasional ‘just for fun’ event.

 

We fundraise by organising and running those 'little extras' that make school memorable, such as:

Celebration Gift Shops for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas, Popcorn Nights, Cake and Ice-Pole sales (we even cater for allergies and intolerances!), Summer Fete, Bingo Night, Race Nights, School Discos

 

The children don’t get to have all the fun!  In the past we have also held:

Wine/Gin Tastings and Annual Parent Socials

 

We even offer free events/goodies to say thank you for supporting the PTA which includes providing Hoodies for the Year 6 leavers, paying for coaches for trips and ice creams / sweet treats for all pupils and school staff to name a few.

 

What has the PTA funded with the money?

We always try to respond when asked to help the school, and after the work is done, it's so rewarding to see the children enjoy new resources and equipment provided by the PTA.

 

Most recently, we have successfully funded the creation of a new multi-purpose outdoor classroom and learning space. This area will be used for a variety of activities, including student outreach, interventions, and small group learning—providing a flexible, supportive environment to help all our students thrive.

 

In previous years the PTA has fundraised for the school minibus, outdoor gym equipment in the playground air conditioning, new dining tables, computers and reading books.

 

What are we raising money for next?

Our next fundraising focus will be on furnishing the new learning space and providing additional resources and equipment that the school needs. With your continued support, we can make this new learning area even more effective and enriching for our students.

 

How do we keep you up-to-date with our activities?

We have a Facebook page and Class WhatsApp groups where we let you know about what we have planned.  We also put reminders in the school newsletter and posters up around school.  

Scan the QR code to join the Ingatestone Junior School Parents Facebook Page.

 

Links to class WhatsApp Groups are circulated in September.

 

 

How can you get involved?

We are a very small committee and always looking for new faces to get involved, especially with lots of new families joining in September. It’s a great way to meet other parents, feel part of school life, and make a real impact.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or totally new to the idea, there’s a place for you and we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need tons of spare time—just a willingness to pitch in when you can. Every little bit helps!

 

If you do have a bit more time and are keen to take on a bigger role on the committee, then we’re specifically looking for:

• PTA Secretary – to help with organising meetings and keeping things running smoothly
• Popcorn Night Lead – a fun role for someone who can spare a few hours on just 4 or 5 evenings per year
• General Helpers – whether it’s running at a stall, baking a cake, or lending a hand at events, we welcome all support

Interested? Curious? Just want to say hi?

Drop us an email at iandfpta@hotmail.com, come chat with us, or scan the QR code to the right join our 2025-26 PTA Supporters WhatsApp Group.

 

We’re a warm and welcoming bunch and would love to have you on board!

 

Match funding

Even if you don’t have time to spare – you may still be able to help us with matched funding through your employer. As a registered charity, some employers will match the amount we raise which makes a huge difference to our fundraising total. If you work for a company that makes match funding contributions, please let us know. If you’re not sue its worth checking with your HR or CSR department.

 

Contact details

We'd love to hear from you.  You can get in touch with any of the committee members if you have any questions or suggestions, or you can email the PTA at iandfpta@hotmail.com.

 

Current Committee Members

Claire Staples – Chair, Kate Capp – Treasurer, Jennifer Brown, Claire Devito, Louise Hicks, Stephanie Moran, Katie O’Connor, Sara Tattersall