We are a registered charity run by an elected Committee of volunteers, mostly made up of parents and ex-parents of children attending the Pre-School. The Committee work in tandem with the Pre-School staff to ensure the smooth running of the Pre-School.

The Committee is elected every year at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is held in October.

• Supporting the senior staff in managing the Pre-School finances and personnel
• Making sure that the Pre-School has – and works to – policies which help it to provide a high quality service
• Making sure that the Pre-School works in partnership with the children’s parents
• Fundraising

We depend very much on the goodwill of parents and their involvement with the Pre-School.  Without the Committee the Pre-School would not be able to operate and would have to close.

Each volunteer member of the Committee will bring different skills which are invaluable to the running of our Pre-School.  Committee members have worked, or do work, in various industries, such as management, financial, or secretarial. Others may have worked with children before, or in situations dealing directly with the public. Both Mum’s and Dad’s are equally welcome to join us.  The important thing is, you don’t need any direct experience to make a difference.

The Committee can consist of no more than 15 elected members, but sub-committees may be formed so tasks may be shared among parents and all the work need not fall on any one person.  There are three main roles required on the Committee, the Chair, the Treasurer and the Secretary.  

These posts have a more defined role, some details of which are set out below together with some of the duties shared amongst Committee members:

Chairs all committee, general and annual meetings including the AGM.  Assists the Secretary with the preparation of the agenda for these meetings.  Co-ordinates the work of the Committee.  Acts as the “Nominated Person” for Ofsted purposes.  Line manages the Administrator of the Pre-School.  Works alongside the Treasurer and may sign cheques jointly with him and supports the rest of the Committee members.

Prepares or assists in preparing in advance an annual budget for the Pre-School and monitors it regularly.  Monitors the Pre-School’s bank accounts, opens new accounts if required and changes signatories when required.  Signs cheques jointly with the Administrator or other nominated Committee members.  Keeps accounts of all income and expenditure and keeps the Committee aware of the financial position of the Pre-School by providing a statement of the finances at every meeting.   Arranges to have the accounts audited and presents them at the AGM.  Arranges for accounts to be filed and records updated at the Charities Commission.

Organises all meetings including booking venues (if appropriate) and liasing with Committee members to ensure they are all informed.  Prepares and circulates agenda’s for each meeting, takes minutes at each meeting and circulates minutes for approval of all Committee members.  Supports all Committee members.

Act in the best interests of the Pre-School, promoting its values and working together to achieve its charitable objectives. 

Working as part of a team, reading Committee papers and contributing to the decision making process of the Committee. Undertake Ofsted suitability checks as appropriate.  Ensure that the Pre-School complies with the rules in its constitution, charity law and other regulations that govern the work of the Pre-School.

The Committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting held in November each year and generally meets twice a term.

The Annual General Meeting is open to the parents of all of the children who attend the Pre-School.  It is our forum for looking back over the previous year’s activities and shaping the coming year’s activities.

If you would like to feel that you are putting something back into our community and volunteer for the Committee in any role, no matter how large or small, please speak with our staff or contact us at preschool@womleyprimary.co.uk

We very much look forward to welcoming all new volunteers for both the committee and our fundraising events.