HSA Q&A
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HSA
Q What is the Home School Association (HSA)?
A. The HSA is West Bridgford Infant School’s PTA (Parent Teacher’s Association). The HSA is a registered charity with the aim of raising funds, organising social events and providing a communication link between home and school. As well as this, the HSA plays an important role in the community of the school.
Q What does the HSA do?
A. The HSA organises and runs a wide range of events to help raise additional funds for the school. These additional funds can provide things that the school would otherwise be unable to afford. For example improving school facilities both in the classroom and in the playground or providing new creative or sports experiences for the children to enjoy.
Here are just some of the activities and events run regularly by the HSA:
❖ Christmas and Summer Fairs
❖ Year 1 and Year 2 after school discos
❖ Coffee and Cakes
❖ Bring a book/buy a book
❖ Christmas Cards
❖ Auctions, Quiz nights, discos and other events for grownups
❖ Fundraising catalogues, voucher books
❖ Sponsored family fun-runs
Q How are the funds raised by the HSA used?
A. The HSA works closely with the school to decide what additional facilities would benefit the school and sets targets for fundraising.
❖ For example, the HSA raised funds allowing the school to purchase interactive white boards for every classroom; these have become an everyday part of the children's learning.
But, sometimes it's the smaller purchases and events that raise the biggest smiles!
❖ Every Christmas the HSA provides toys from Santa as a special treat for each class.
❖ Last summer the HSA organised a school community gardening project to design, build and plant raised beds in the playground.
❖ Year 1 and 2 children enjoy a School Disco each year, organised by HSA volunteers.
The HSA isn't just about raising money. It's also about enriching the experience of school life for children and their families.
Q. Why should I get involved?
A. Helping with HSA activities is a rewarding way to enrich the experience of the children at our school.
We are always looking for new parents to contribute ideas, time and skills.
All help and support, however small, is always welcome. As people’s circumstances change, so do our volunteers and committee members, and we always encourage new parents to join in without feeling they have to make any big commitments.
Parents who are currently involved in the HSA have commented that, for them, participating is ‘fun, friendly and enjoyable’. Many enjoy being part of the school community and working on activities towards a common goal and describe their experience as being ‘sociable and rewarding’.
Q. If I do volunteer what is involved?
The HSA is entirely dependent on the help of its members. We need people to come to committee meetings, to organise events, help at events, and of course, to participate in events.
Through the year parents are asked for cakes, books, nearly new toys, tombola items, raffle and auction prizes etc. In particular we need lots of parents to help in the run up to our two major Fairs, for example sorting through donations and helping on the day to run stalls and games.
Different events appeal to different people and we encourage helpers to get involved in what ever really inspires them e.g. using creative talents, baking, gardening, etc.
Another aspect of getting involved in the HSA could be your contacts and your ideas: can you help us get supplies more cheaply, do you have a particular skill, which we could use at an event (face painting, DJ, in a band, running, team games?). You may have contacts through work or know of companies/organisations who give community-type funding or help in kind. There are many ways you can help.
Q How do I find out about what’s going on?
A. Through the children’s book bags the HSA send out letters and updates regarding events. We have a website which is being developed:
We also plan to use the HSA website as a source of information. Posters around the School gates also remind families of up coming activities, meetings and help needed.
Q How do I get involved?
A. If you'd like to find out more or get involved in any way, whether for a specific event or just in general then there are many ways to contact us.
❖ Via the Website
❖ Email us at westbridgfordinfantshsa@
❖ Leave a note with the School Office marked for the attention of the HSA committee
❖ Come to a meeting
❖ Grab someone in the playground! If you know anyone already involved in the HSA you may prefer a more informal chat in the playground about how you can get involved – we are always happy to help!
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