Ash Green Primary Academy PTFA – Community Group of the Year nomination
Ash Green Primary Academy PTFA – Community Group of the Year nomination
A primary school’s parent, teacher and friends association has brought together the school community, local residents and businesses to raise £70,000 over the past year.
Jodie Cope, the Headteacher of Ash Green Primary Academy, which is part of The Societas Trust, says the group’s work has been transformative for the school and its impact will be enjoyed by generations of pupils.
Jodie has now nominated the PTFA in the Community Group of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards.
She said: “They have demonstrated the very best of what a community group can achieve: bringing people together, creating meaningful change and improving the lives of children, families and the wider community.
“They are a driving force within our school community, strengthening relationships, creating opportunities and building a culture of belonging that reaches far beyond the school gates.”
Attendance at PTFA meetings has trebled over the past year with involvement extending beyond parents to include grandparents, extended family members, former parents and members of the wider community.
The £70,000 raised has been used to transform the children’s outdoor environment including a new playground being installed this summer. The PTFA’s volunteer gardening team, including many grandparents, has revitalised previously unused and tired outdoor spaces.
They have created construction and small-world play areas, restored sheds, built stages, installed picnic benches, repurposed materials sustainably and even rescued and refurbished a donated boat to create an imaginative play opportunity for children.
Jon Lovatt, CEO of The Societas Trust, said: “The playground stands as a visible reminder of the PTFA’s success, but their greatest achievement is the positive difference they make to children’s lives every single day. Their commitment to bringing together families, local businesses and the wider community is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when people work together for children.”
Jodie said: “The difference this has made to children is profound. Playtimes are now richer, more engaging, and filled with opportunities for creativity and connection. Children have developed a stronger sense of ownership, pride and belonging. Many children describe how home family and school family feel like one big family now, which perfectly captures the community spirit the PTFA has created.
The calendar of PTFA events includes barbecues, fairs, firework nights, bingo, quizzes, colour runs, tuck shops and wellbeing activities. 27 events are planned for the year ahead.
The PTFA has nurtured partnerships with organisations including Lyla Connect, Parentkind, EasyFundraising, Asda, Tesco and many local businesses. These collaborations have secured sponsorship, donations, equipment, materials, raffle prizes and financial support. Their ability to bring local organisations together has strengthened community links and demonstrated the positive impact of working collectively.
Jodie added: “As headteacher I cannot express strongly enough the value Ash Green Primary Academy PTFA brings to our school. They take every ambition we have for our children and find a way to turn it into reality. Their dedication is unwavering, their teamwork exceptional and their impact impossible to measure fully.
“They have transformed our school physically, socially and emotionally. They have strengthened community relationships, enriched children’s daily experiences and created a culture where families feel connected, valued and proud to belong.
“Ash Green Primary Academy PTFA is the beating heart of our school community. They have made an extraordinary difference over the past 12 months and are truly deserving of recognition as Community Group of the Year.”
Ash Green Primary Academy has 460 pupils, aged 3 to 11 years, and recently received a glowing Ofsted report.