Traditionally, groups have operated as community-based charities run by a parent committee with paid staff and parent volunteers. The peer group camaraderie gives parents confidence to join a workshop or attend a course.
'We have about 3,000 students a year taking level 2 and 3 qualifications. Usually, they have become interested in early years from their own experience as parents,' says Michael Freeston, PLA director of training and quality assurance.
The organisation runs courses for a further 10,000 people a year, including continuing professional development for staff and parent volunteers, as well as family learning courses.
Its Introduction to Pre-school Practice is offered as a taster for parents thinking about a career in childcare and also as an outreach course for asylum seekers and as a return-to-learn course. 'The selling point is it is about how children develop and how parents can support their child's learning,' says Mr Freeston.
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