Can anyone shed some light for me? Why are preschools run by committees of members (seemingly usually parents), rather than by the staff, as a private nursery would be?
I appreciate that preschools charge significantly less than private nurseries and don’t always offer the same kind of care (e.g. lower staff to child ratios), but I guess what I’m asking is why does this model exist and where did it come from? Most of the preschools around here don’t seem to be able to run sustainably - they’re forever asking for funds, time and goodwill from parents (most of whom I suspect would pay higher fees if it meant they didn’t have to do so much fundraising/donating prizes/attending Tupperware parties and the like). I understand that a lot of their kids are probably receiving government funding, so has it got worse since the 30hrs has come into play?
Are committee members always effectively responsible for staff wages if a preschool gets into difficulties? I think one locally to us that works on that basis but is that common?
(I guess the Local Authority equivalent is nursery class within a school, even if that’s only for 3-4 yr olds).
Sorry, this is a bit rambly - im thinking aloud/blathering a bit here!