A Wirral mum who helped raise £25,000 for her local Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has shared her top tips for people looking to make some extra cash for their children's schools.

Chloe Jones noticed there was no PTA at Overchurch Infant School in Upton when one of her daughters became a student in 2021.

The following year, the 35-year-old mum-of-two banded together a group of parents to launch one with the aim of raising enough money to buy vital equipment for the school not funded through the local authority.

Now just two years on, the PTA has raised a £25,000 and aims to push the total to £30,000 by the end of the year.

Aside from buying equipment, the PTA, which won New PTA of the Year at the ParentKind awards in 2022, raises enough money to ensure every child gets to go on school trips.

Some of the PTA members with their children Some of the PTA members with their children (Image: Highrise Communications) Chloe said: "We wanted to ensure that every child is treated equally and has the same experiences and an equal start in life."

The PTA also runs a free coat and welly drive each winter and a pre-loved uniform shop that charges just 50p or £1 for items to make uniforms more affordable for families and ensure every child has a warm coat and pair of wellies.

Chloe, who works as a fundraising officer, used her skills to apply for grants, set up partnerships, and organise themed fundraisers for the PTA, but says there is one money raising hack that all parents can do simply through their online shopping.

Chloe also recommends that all parents do their online shopping via the easyfundraising website or app. Easyfundraising asks shoppers to select a (or register their own) charity or cause, including over 25,000 PTAs, then sign up for free to support them as they shop.

Once signed up, shoppers can then visit the easyfundraising website or app and select the retailer they want to shop online with.

Chloe Jones with her two daughters, Faye, aged seven, and Phoebe (five)Chloe Jones with her two daughters, Faye, aged seven, and Phoebe (five) (Image: Highrise Communications) A percentage of anything they purchase is then donated from the retailer to their chosen cause at no extra cost to them.

Chloe said: "easyfundraising is a way for families to support us without spending any more money. It gives us a regular income.

"We know the cost-of-living crisis has had a huge impact on many people. Families who are unable to donate but our shopping online anyway can show their support and give back without it costing them anymore."

Each Christmas the PTA gifts every child a present from SantaEach Christmas the PTA gifts every child a present from Santa (Image: Highrise Communications) Chloe does most of her online shopping via easyfundraising and plans to do all her Christmas shopping through the site. 

So far more than £300 has been raised for the Overchurch Infant School PTA through easyfundraising.