Now on pre school committee

[els1789]

Just wanted to reach out as I’m feeling regretful and it’s on me. Our pre school had an emergency meeting for parents to declare if a parent committee was not sorted the pre school would close.

I am a SAHM and felt it would be good to help and also keep my brain ticking over. I just thought it would be good to be the person who helps for once and who doesn’t rely on other parents. However it’s now obvious the last Chair was pretty rubbish and let the place go. 8 parents signed up to the committee but half have since gone v quiet and it’s pretty much me and another mum learning it all.

I have taken on the role of changing the pre school to a CIO so parents are no longer financially viable (something which was not mentioned at the meeting). Then once this is done in about 6 months I plan to leave. I also of course went for a job I never thought I would get but was term time and school hours and I got it! So I now have gone from no work to two jobs basically with one paid.

I just feel silly for offering to do the pre school, I thought it would be a nice thing to do but no idea how much work was to be done while all the other parents just happily drop their kids off having no idea. I also haven’t told my husband how much work their is as he wasn’t sure I should of offered in the first place and I don’t want him to say I told you so.

feeling a bit emotional and just wondering if I am doing the right thing, feeling overwhelmed but also proud of myself for being the one to step up for once.

Congratulations on your new job. Well done for stepping up when help was needed.
Your plan to withdraw once things are on track will be fine. Good experience and you should be proud you have made a difference.

Is it common for pre schools to only operate on the basis of volunteer work from parents?? Glad I sent mine to a school based one.

What do you mean parents aren't financially viable? Do you mean responsible?

Your circa have changed, it's OK to say this and walk away.

I was a school parent governor for a few years while working. Similar situation, they desperately needed someone and if I didn't do it no one else would. It was a Sen school and it's so sad that absolutely no other parent offered, even though most of them weren't working.

I just had to be clear I couldn't attend all meetings but would do what I could. I offered to step down so someone else could take over and guess what, not one single parent showed interest. I stayed in the role, did feel guilty I was unable to fully commit but that was better than having no one. Xxx

@24Dogcuddler such a lovely post I needed to hear, thank you!

@SleepingStandingUp yes I meant liable, I tried to edit but it wouldn’t let me. I think that’s worst case but yes, it’s much more safe the route I am trying to take the pre school now.

lucky you with a school pre school, our local doesn’t have one - it used too but it got shut down as they made no money on it!

if I walked away now I would still have to face them for another 18 months and leaving the other parents in my situation. I’m not sure my conscience could take it lol.

@Chinsupmeloves good for you for doing what you could. I feel like the dummy who fell for it. I was actually keen at first thinking this would be great to be involved in my son’s pre school. Naive of me.

You will be doing lots of great things, let them know whatever you don't feel capable of, I did and someone with more experience handled it.

Hi, most of the committee are not helping. I keep reaching out for help and no one is replying. Do you think it is ok to hand in my written notice? It’s givingg me sleepless nights knowing I could be liable and doing all the work with no help or thanks. I have been on the committee 4 months now.

i have looked at the constitution and I can’t see there’s a minimum I have to stay on there?

That's such a shame you're not getting any help 😕 As it's voluntary you can resign any time you want I would say. Xx