Further to 'Ruling committees' (2 October), I should think the committee that employed this leader with her numerous qualifications and years of experience breathed a sigh of relief when she left. I was surprised at her apparent lack of commitment or understanding of what partnership with parents means, especially as the qualifications she has undertaken and is assessing include units on partnership with parents.
This understanding with parents is fundamental when working with them, particularly those who have undertaken the responsibility of a role in the pre-school such as being a committee member.
Committee members need help and advice to fulfil their role. Very few people have prior committee or employer experience, and while the suggestion that committees should be trained is commendable, anyone with experience will know the problems that exist there.
In addition, any parents interested to come into the group should be supported and welcomed wholeheartedly. I suspect that the vast majority of adults working in the pre-school field started out by helping out in their child's pre-school. With the encouragement of staff they have put time and effort into becoming qualified and have gained confidence and knowledge through the experience.
The previous correspondents do not seem to appreciate that while part of their role is to care for and educate the children, the other part is to support and help parents in their role as the primary educator of their children.
Fiona Humphries
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
