A school secretary has opened up about what it's like to work in education in the UK and the types of parents they meet in their role.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there's one particular type of parent the employee was keen to talk about. Specifically, the secretary has revealed all you need to know about the head of the PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) a figure they claim sends other parents 'running in fear'.
Everyone has probably come across a parent like this during their time at school, but the secretary delivered a behind-the-scenes scoop on the stereotypical person who holds this role, dishing the dirt on the reality of life inside British schools.
According to the secretary, the head of the school PTA is likely to be someone who is strong-willed and rarely takes no for an answer.
The school employee went on to claim this type of parent is one that can sometimes leave others feeling 'inadequate', as it can be hard to match their enthusiasm for events and fundraising.
Writing anonymously for the Sun, the secret source explained: "They will know the Headteacher on a first-name basis and regularly drop it into conversation with other parents, just to show how important they are to the school."
The expert added that these types will be well-versed when it comes to the school social events other parents might be less keen on.
The employee, a parent themselves, said: "Tombolas, raffles, coffee mornings, evening socials – seriously, who wants to socialise with other parents from school? – they are all in the repertoire of the head of the PTA.
"Any way there is a chance for extra dosh to be put into the coffers of a school’s budget will be explored. And woe betide if you as a parent cannot, or do not want to, get involved!"
However, the secretary wasn't only critical of this type of person and did go on to defend the head of the PTA by pointing out the good intentions driving their behaviour. After all, their work benefits the schools and the children.
What's more, the employee added that they believe such fundraising wouldn't be necessary if schools were 'adequately funded', which is the point with which the insider concluded their argument.
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