How to Run a Successful School Disco

How to Run a Successful School Disco: A Comprehensive Guide

Don’t kids just have the BEST time at a school disco! It can be a little overwhelming – the thought of a lot of over-excited small people in the one place at the one time…

Don’t panic! We help you break it down into small steps!

A school disco is also an important opportunity for parents to connect with each other – as we wait (hopefully with a coffee in our hands!) for our little darlings to wear themselves out on the dance floor.

Best of luck organising your disco, and don’t hesitate to reach out if we’ve forgotten anything or if you have a brilliant idea to add.

Why a School Disco is Important

A school disco is not just a fun event for kids; it's also a great opportunity for parents to connect. While the children are dancing their hearts out, parents can relax, chat, and enjoy a coffee.

Key Considerations for Organising a School Disco

1. Timing

• Plan Ahead: Set a date and book a DJ well in advance, especially during busy times like Christmas.
• Avoid Conflicts: Choose dates that don’t clash with other school events to maximise attendance.
• Advance Planning: Start planning 4-6 weeks ahead of the event.
• Volunteer Scheduling: Schedule volunteers early to ensure sufficient help.

2. Fire Safety

• Venue Limits: Check the fire safety limits of your venue.
• Evacuation Procedures: Ensure someone familiar with the venue’s fire evacuation procedures is present.
• Announcements: Make necessary fire safety announcements.

3. Personal Safety

• Ticket Sales: Sell tickets in advance and maintain a list of attendees to prevent unauthorised entry.
• Sign-In/Sign-Out: Consider a sign-in/sign-out system for added security.
• Parental Supervision: Have parents on standby for security and to patrol known hangout spots.
• Controlled Entry: Limit entry points to prevent wandering.

4. Themes

• Create Atmosphere: Choose a theme to enhance the event's ambiance.
• Seasonal or Fancy Dress: Consider seasonal themes or fancy dress like the ’70s or ’80s.
• Music Coordination: Coordinate with your DJ to align music with the theme.

5. Logistics

• Age Groups: Split the disco into different time slots for various age groups.
• Supervision: Provide supervision for siblings and consider separate discos for primary and high school students.
• Venue Requirements: Ensure the DJ has a blue card (if required) and public liability insurance.
• Clean-Up: Plan a break between sessions for clean-up and to avoid congestion.

6. Games

• Game Limit: Keep games to three or four to maintain engagement.
• Parental Participation: Encourage parents to join in.
• Popular Games: Consider games like statues, corners, limbo, and dance-offs.
• DJ Involvement: Discuss game hosting with your DJ.

7. Additional Fundraising

• Sponsorship: Make the event a sponsored one. It will help keep down costs.
• Fun Add-Ons: Offer temporary tattoos, face painting, glow products, crazy hair spray, or photo booths.
• Meal Deals: Sell tickets that include entry and a snack.
• Catering: Plan simple and quick-to-prepare food options.
• Parent Sales: Sell snacks and drinks to parents.
• Local Business Support: Connect with local businesses for donations.

School Disco Organiser Checklist

Six Weeks Before:

• Book the venue and DJ.
• Choose a theme.
• Sign up volunteers.
• Announce the event to parents.
• Order necessary items.

One Month Before:

• Promote the event.
• Sell tickets in advance.
• Create letters for parents.

One to Two Weeks Before:

• Process reply slips and compile a list of attendees.
• Confirm volunteer roles and adult-to-child ratios.
• Review song requests for appropriateness.

On the Day:

• Set up the venue.
• Offer face painting and party games.
• Register children as they arrive and leave.
• Encourage shy dancers with help from volunteers.

Tips and Advice:

• Music License: Check if a music license is required.
• Profit Boosters: Sell glow products and run a tuck shop.
• Safeguarding: Ensure proper safeguarding measures.
• Ticket Pricing: Price tickets according to costs and inclusions.
• Food and Drinks: Consider offering hot food, drinks, a raffle, or glow bracelets.
• Class List: Use a class list instead of paper tickets.
• UV Paint: Use UV face and body paint for a unique twist.
• Snack Sales: Sell sweets, crisps, and homemade cakes.
• Inclusive Pricing: Include glow products in ticket prices.

With these tips and a well-structured plan, your school disco is sure to be a hit with both children and parents!