Care and support

Playgroup / pre-school leaders

Playgroup/pre-school leaders organise the business side of the group, looking at accounts, letters, hire agreements, staffing and the enrolment of children. If there is a waiting list this is dealt with by the leader.

Although working within a team to provide the play opportunities, the leader takes overall responsibility and must hold appropriate childcare qualifications and First Aid for Children certificates. This is in addition to the duties of an assistant.

An example of someone who became a playgroup / pre-school leader

Valerie started in childcare by helping at her child’s playgroup, then did a ten-week introductory course to see if she liked it. She moved on to study part-time for a pre-school Diploma in Early Years Childcare and Education before becoming involved in setting up a new playgroup. Two years later she studied for her Level 3 NVQ and has now been the group’s leader for four years. Valerie is also now studying part-time at the University of Hertfordshire for an Early Years Degree. “The more I learn about child development and Early Years the more fascinating and enjoyable I find my work.”