About Us

Lark Rise is the new and expanding Parent/Teacher Association at Larkmead School.  Lark Rise was established in 2007, creating a valuable link between parents and the school and school governors. All parents/carers/staff are automatically considered a part of Lark Rise and are welcome to attend committee meetings.  Lark Rise offers parents the opportunity to play an active part in the school community and have a voice within it. 

When do we meet?

We have regular evening meetings, usually once a month, at Larkmead, in the Learning Resource Area.  As a parent/carer of a student at Larkmead, you are automatically entitled to attend these meetings. 

Our PTA is not just about fund-raising - although that is an important element – but also about forging stronger links between parents/carers, on the one hand and school and school governors on the other, and thus improving communication of our views and ideas to those who are responsible for the running of our school.  This aim is supported by the staff and governors - members of staff including the Head, have been present at a number of Lark Rise meetings, as has James Tweed, the Chair of governors.  Lark Rise meetings also provide an invaluable opportunity to meet other parents and share opinions and experiences.

What do we discuss?

As Lark Rise is a new PTA, we have a great opportunity to create the role that we can play in the school community and to explore ways in which we can support the school. 

We have discussed communication between parents/carers and the governing body with James Tweed, the Chair of Governors and, as a result, Lark Rise has provided a forum where parents/carers can be consulted by the governing body on a number of issues.  For example, Lark Rise communicated information to parents/carers about a disability equality scheme (where parental feedback was necessary to the school); we discussed the recent School Review meeting and questionnaire; and also how parents could be involved in a working party on the student progess tracking system.

We explore ways in which parent/carer volunteers can help and support the school and as a result of our discussions and consultation with staff and governors, some parent/carer volunteers have offered teaching support in the classroom and others formed a working party to paint the Year 8 toilets!  In addition, Lark Rise has had a presence at school events such as Parent’s Evenings and the Uniform Shop for new parents/carers, with volunteers providing refreshments - and also raising our profile so that parents/carers know that we are here and welcome new input.  In our meetings, we have also consulted with staff about how money raised by Lark Rise can be put to the best use to benefit the school.  In the future we hope to identify some longer term, large projects as a focus for fund-raising, in addition to the kind of contributions described as follows…

Fund-raising

This is an important part of what we do and so far money raised has been spent on helping launch new clubs such as a Science Club and the Young Radicals; on providing Frisbees and softball equipment (for Activities Week but with a view to starting a club) and a table tennis table, requested by Student Voice; on donations to the Sailing Club and the Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Lark Rise has organised a number of hugely enjoyable social events to raise money for the school including a Barn Dance and Bingo and Quiz nights.  These were all well-attended and apart from bringing in funds, these events play an important part in bringing parents and students together.  Lark Rise aims to plan several events more of these events during the school year and discussions are underway to organise a Larkmead School Reunion.

Getting involved

Lark Rise has a wide variety of ambitions in terms of how we contribute to the school – improving communication of opinions and ideas between parents/carers and the school, events, fund-raising and new ways of using parent/carer volunteers.  

It may be that committee meetings are not for you, but you may be willing to share your knowledge of a specific area or a particular skill with the school.  For example: scenery painting, set-building, gardening, plumbing, carpentry, design, publishing…the possibilities are endless and we welcome your suggestions!

If you would like to find out about how to get involved, please contact us at please contact us at volunteers@lark-rise.org.uk 

Also, see the Help! page for a list of Lark Rise and Larkmead events where specific help is needed.  This is a good way to get involved if committee meetings aren't your thing.