PTA+ Events - Planning

Get the most from an event debrief

An effective debriefing allows for a thorough reflection on an event, helping to highlight what went well and identify areas you can improve for next time. It’s a golden opportunity to learn from your experiences, says Daniel Etherington

Why silent discos offer an inclusive experience

Experience the quiet joy of the silent disco

Top tips to make your school disco run smoothly

Anything can happen when you mix loud music, flashing lights, food and children. School DJ Darren Palmer has tips for a disco that the PTA can enjoy as much as the children

Save the best for last

How do you encourage guests to stay until the end of your event? Daniel Etherington has five suggestions

Inspiration for your quiz night

Quiz nights are a popular way to bring your supporters together for some fun and fundraising. Daniel Etherington has some suggestions for ways to liven up your rounds

First aid FAQs

Sue Hampshire and Mel Greenstock of St John Ambulance answer your questions about first aid for events

How to run a successful barbecue

Experienced PTA grill-master David Short tells Daniel Etherington how to run a successful school fair BBQ

Run a harvest festival

Daniel Etherington explains how celebrating the harvest can ensure a bumper crop of fun

PTA base camp

Including a PTA information stall as part of your fair means it can also serve as a practical base. Here’s what to keep there

Identify the PTA

What’s the best way to make volunteers stand out at an event? Daniel Etherington looks at the options

Reduce the environmental impact of your events

Looking after the planet has never been more important. Daniel Etherington looks at how PTAs can reduce energy and waste to lessen the environmental impact of events

Event planning calendar

Create inspirational events around celebrations, anniversaries and competitions happening this year with our PTA planning calendar

Spring clean your PTA shed

Take a look at your shed and make sure the contents are serviceable and fit for purpose

Natasha’s Law FAQs

Ben Rayner from the Food Standards Agency answers your questions about how Natasha’s Law applies to your fundraising events

Online payments

Roz Smith looks at the options for when you can’t collect money in person

Promoting your virtual event

Event marketing can be difficult to get right, but a strong promotional strategy for your next virtual event could make all the difference

PTA mind map download

Use our visualisation tool as inspiration for your fundraising activities this term - from an original idea by Ruth Presswood

Assess your strategy

The benefits of holding events are far-reaching. Fundraising consultant, Helen Alderson explains why they work so well for schools

Young volunteers FAQs

Encouraging children to assist at events will spread the workload, teach new skills and inspire charitable awareness. But what should you bear in mind when getting children to help?

Event survival kit

Make sure you’re equipped for your summer fair by packing a kit full of useful items

Reuse and recycle

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Here’s how to reuse and recycle unwanted items to help the school and the planet

Online raffles FAQs

The popularity of online raffles has boomed in recent years. Joanne Cartwright from the Gambling Commission answers the most frequently asked questions

FAQs: Risk assessments for PTAs

Risk assessments are an important part of event planning. What are they, and how should they be amended to cover the threat of Covid-19?

Eco-friendly fundraising

How your PTA can reduce impact on the planet when running events

Sell online event tickets

Using an online event tickets platform means less work for your PTA, and allows you to reach a wider audience

Event planning checklist

Whether you’re trying an event for the first time or you want a reminder of the key considerations, PTA+ is here to help

Volunteer rota

Need to pin down volunteers for an upcoming PTA fundraiser? Download our volunteers rota template

How to take better event photos

Photographs are a great way to generate interest in your PTA events. Follow our tips to take better event photos full of sparkle and life

Catering for dietary requirements

Get as many visitors and volunteers as you can on board by making sure everyone can be fed at your events

Hot weather plan

Very hot weather can have a significant impact on open-air events - a contingency plan will help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time

Buy wholesale with Booker

Offering refreshments at your event can really help boost profits. With Booker, PTAs can stock up for less

FAQs Temporary Event Notices (TENs)

Your PTA needs a licence to sell alcohol at an event. Licensing officer Jon Bryant explains what PTAs need to know about licensing

FAQs inflatables and bouncy castles

Inflatables and bouncy castles are a popular attraction at summer fairs, but what legal requirements should PTAs be looking out for?

FAQs music licensing

Music livens up a PTA event, but you may need a licence to play it legally. We spoke to Alexandra Carr at PPL PRS to find out about TheMusicLicence

FAQs second-hand sales

Second-hand sales are a popular way for PTAs to raise funds, but don’t fall foul of legal requirements

FAQs licensing for film events

You’ll need a licence to screen a film for entertainment purposes such as running a film night. But which one’s right for your event?

FAQs catering

Selling food at events is a great way to raise money. But your PTA could be liable for any resulting illnesses, so make sure what you serve is safe

FAQs pet shows

When carefully planned, a pet show introduces a wide range of welfare issues to children in a meaningful way. Here is some helpful guidance from the RSPCA...

Get the parents’ consent

Everyone wants to see photos and videos of your PTA fundraising events. How can you ensure you’ve got parents’ consent and stay compliant with data protection?

Licensing guide: All you need to know

Everything your PTA needs to know about licenses for events and fundraisers. Get the right licence and cut through the red tape

Raffle FAQs

As raffles fall under the terms of the Gambling Act 2005, we asked the Gambling Commission - what rules do PTAs need to know?

Interval games

Boost profits at your fundraising events by running a game in the break. These ideas will not only provide a cash benefit, but should offer lots of laughs too!

How to find great raffle prizes

Boost ticket sales by offering exciting raffle prizes

Create your perfect programme

Producing a programme for your event enables you to thank supporters, lets visitors know what’s on offer and can maximise profits through advertising sales

Wet weather plans

When rain threatens to stop play, what contingency plans do you have in place? We have devised a wet weather plan for your summer events

Raffle tips and advice

PTAs tell us where they source raffle prizes, how much they charge, where to have raffle tickets printed and offer tips for holding the draw

A guide to bouncy castle and inflatable hire safety

Phil Pike of the Amusement Device Safety Council (ADSC) explains what to look out for when hiring bouncy castles and inflatables

Keep your event information for the future

Every time you hold an event you gain valuable information. Keep this insider knowledge ready for next year, or for the committee who take over after you

Coronation crafts and sponsored activities

Our selection of competitions, stalls and fundraisers

Coronation stalls and games

Our selection of fun stalls and games to help you celebrate the coronation