Schools in the North West are facing an increasingly difficult battle to raise funds for essential learning equipment, a survey has revealed.
Easyfundraising.org.uk interviewed more than 250 schools and Parent-Teacher Associations in the area, discovering that 86% are finding it harder than they did five years ago.
Refreshingly, books still represent the primary fundraising objective for 72% of schools and PTAs, but the rising cost of sports equipment and technology has compounded the problem.
With schools and PTAs citing cuts from local authorities and a lack of engagement and disposable income from parents as among the main reasons, commissioners of the survey have expressed concern.
But help could be at hand through an enterprising initiative.
“The role of the PTA is crucial in helping schools provide vital resources,” explained Caroline Adams from easyfundraising.co.uk.
“Many schools and PTAs are in a catch 22 situation – they know parents are tired of being asked for money, but they have to do it all the same.
“When schools miss their fundraising targets, there’s added pressure to exceed those targets in following years, something that can be felt across parents and staff alike.”
Respondents to the survey indicated that fundraising issues could result in a fundamental detriment to children’s learning, as well as motivation problems for teaching staff.
With innovative ways to raise money becoming increasingly elusive, easyfundraising.co.uk has teamed up to help boost the coffers through the simple act of online shopping.
When parents shop through the website at retail giants such as Amazon and John Lewis, the companies will give a percentage of the takings straight to schools.
“Where schools are constantly facing funding problems, we’re here to offer an alternative way of fundraising,” Ms Adams said.
“This will ease the pressure on schools and make sure they can deliver the best possible standard of education to their children.”
Image courtesy of Jean-Pierre Dalbera, with thanks.
