Northleach Playgroup Needs New Chair & Treasurer

Note: Northleach Playgroup Committee is a constituted voluntary group with charitable status. The chairperson and treasurer are voluntary roles.

northleach-playgroup-logoNorthleach Playgroup opened in 1992 and provides pre-school education for children within the town and surrounding areas. A voluntary committee made up of parents of children at the group and members of the local community manages the playgroup. The playgroup operates from a purpose-built building with the grounds of Northleach Church of England Primary School and offers funded early education for two, three and four year old children, with currently 34 children on roll.

The current committee can see that in the next 12 months, the playgroup committee are going to be short of two key volunteers to chair and lead the committee and ensure the management of the setting. Ahead of our AGM in July we are seeking volunteers to offer up a few hours each month on the committee – primarily we seek a Chairperson and Treasurer. These roles are well supported by the other eight members of the committee. Details of the roles can be found in summary below. It is important to stress that if these roles aren’t filled then the future of Northleach Playgroup will be under threat. We are writing to appeal to anyone who feels they can assist, please contact me at the number below so that I can explain the roles further.

In our recent Ofsted Inspection (18th December 2014) the quality and standards of our early years provision is rated as ‘good’. The quality of teaching is good and some is outstanding. Children’s learning is a priority and children receive good continuity.

Overall, children are successfully gaining the necessary skills to prepare them for the next stage in their learning and school.

To summarise key aspects of the report:

“Children thrive in the vibrant and caring environment.”

“Children demonstrate very good behaviour because staff have consistent, well-targeted expectations of them and key-person relationships are strong.”

“The new manager strives for excellence. She is enthusiastic and motivates her staff well. As a result, morale is high and all aspire to provide high quality childcare.”

“Staff promote children’s personal and social development particularly well.”

“The staff provide a welcoming and well-resourced environment where children feel safe and secure as staff are very vigilant.”

“An exceptionally strong partnership exists with parents who speak very highly of the provision made for their children. Many parents take an active involvement in the running and development of the playgroup.”

“Well-established support and partnership working with parents ensure children’s well-being and continuity of care.”

“The playgroup has developed close links with the school…..staff share developmental and progress information with the school to ensure a smooth move.”

Yours,

Laura Blundell (Chair)
Northleach Playgroup Committee
01451 861218

The main areas of the Chair’s role are to:

  • lead the committee
  • plan and chair committee meetings
  • esure the setting runs according to its constitution
  • over see the setting’s agreed priorities and their achievement
  • represent the committee
  • be involved in the recruitment and management of staff
  • be known to other parents/carers so they know who to approach if necessary
  • be available to staff if they need you

The main areas of the Treasurer’s role are to:

  • check all account books, bank statements and cheque books with outgoing treasurer and sign off as a true record
  • be accountable for all monies
  • Ensure funds are spent in accordance to objectives
  • write Treasurer’s report for each committee meeting
  • pay staff
  • ensure insurance cover is up to date

There are 10 committee members; meetings take place once per half term (6 meetings/ year), currently from 8-10pm of an evening at Northleach Playgroup. These roles highlighted are vital for the efficient running and continuation of our setting.

Northleach Playgroup is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and committee members to share this commitment. We ensure our staff, are appropriately qualified and we carry out staff and committee checks for criminal and other records through the Disclosure and Barring Service in accordance with statutory requirements.

Thank you!

Northleach Playgroup registered address:
Mill End
Northleach
Cheltenham GL54 3HJ
Reg. Charity No 1015852
Tel: 01451 860019