I want to echo the sentiments expressed by Marie Donegan ('In my view', 10 July) about her experiences of running a playgroup. I too have concerns regarding committees. They are, in the main, made up of parents/carers whose children attend the group. They often move on when their child leaves, and many will have no training in childcare.
They are expected to support and monitor good practice, but may not have the knowledge or understanding to support this brief. They are expected to employ staff and support them. They may have no previous experience of people management and supporting employees. They may have their own agenda when making decisions.
Committees have huge powers and responsibilities. They write references. I can understand Marie's resentment, as her good work could go unrewarded by a less than glowing reference for a job. Like Marie, I put in a lot of unpaid time planning and supporting staff training.
I had to review everything to prepare us for our first Ofsted inspection.
When I raised concerns about our lack of multicultural provision, the chairperson suggested we buy a globe to show the children where all these foreigners live. I had such problems trying to educate the committee and as they were all friends who socialised together, it was hard for anyone to speak out to support me.
Like Marie, I turned an ailing group around and received excellent feedback from inspections. But the battles with some of the committee were draining and demoralising. The chairperson was bringing in worksheets she had designed because she felt the children needed to do proper work, and less of this playing. There were requests for relatives to be helpers to support NVQs and fury when I insisted they were police-checked.
I decided I couldn't work in a setting where bad practice was tolerated, and despite loving my work, I left. I went back to college and now work in a nursery and it's wonderful to be in a professional environment with employers who are informed and supportive of staff. I just wish there was training provided for committee members and some sort of support system for staff in playgroups.
I tried the PLA contact but she was loath to get involved despite placing PLA students with me regularly because she had such a high regard for the group.
