Freeland Pre-School is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It is run by a committee of parent volunteers (also known as trustees) who offer their time and energy to promote and support our lovely village pre-school.
The committee works hand in hand with the pre-school manager and staff team, and is vital to ensure the smooth running of the pre-school. We hold termly meetings to plan fundraising events, check the budget remains on track and ensure that the needs of all children and staff are being met.
Being a committee member is a very rewarding role. Not only is it a great way to get to know the team better and to meet other parents, it’s also hugely gratifying and great fun! It gives you a real insight into what goes on behind the scenes at pre-school as well as the opportunity to have a genuine impact on your child’s early years education.
Details of the current committee members are displayed on the parent board just inside the door in pre-school. All committee members are required to complete standard security checks (a DBS criminal records check and an Ofsted EY2 application).
Committee Roles
Chairperson
The Chairperson is the main point of contact for committee members, staff and external parties but their main role is to support the pre-school Manager and Finance and Administration Officer, with whom they form a close relationship. The role is fantastically varied, offering an opportunity to get involved in everything: from staff recruitment and appraisals to policy development and fundraising projects.
At committee meetings the Chairperson is responsible for setting the agenda and co-ordinating roles in any plans that are made. They also keep confidential records of terms and conditions of employment up to date.
No experience is necessary to become a Chairperson, and there are always plenty of existing/former committee members and staff on hand to answer questions and offer support.
Treasurer
The Treasurer oversees the pre-school finances and work very closely with the pre-school Finance and Administration Officer to ensure the finances and budgets are on track. The Treasurer and Finance and Administration Officer prepare financial reports for each committee meeting.
Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for taking the minutes at the committee meetings, distributing the minutes and any other relevant information to committee members.
Fundraisers
Our fundraisers do an amazing job co-ordinating fundraising events. This is a fun and rewarding role that directly benefits the children as funds raised are put towards resources and equipment for the pre-school. Publicity and events co-ordination are some of the things our fundraisers have the chance to be involved in. It’s a great way to get involved with pre-school whilst also being good fun and very sociable!
Annual General Meeting
We hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year when new committee members are elected.
Usually members join the committee for a minimum of a year though many people choose to stay on for longer. At our AGM we seek volunteers for any vacancies we may have. The committee requires a minimum of 3 members. There are always opportunities for non-committee members to get involved, particularly with fundraising.
If you are interested in finding out more about the role of the pre-school committee or are interested in joining the committee, please speak to a current committee member (list on the parent board) or a member of staff.
Family Membership
Family membership is available to the parents or guardians of all children who attend. Each family holding family membership will count as one member of the CIO and will be entitled to one vote at any general meetings such as the AGM.
Affiliate membership of the CIO is open to anyone who is interested in furthering its purposes. Each individual holding affiliate membership will count as one member of the CIO and will be entitled to one vote at any general meetings of the members of the CIO.