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For parents in search of childcare, the early years sector offers a wide range of providers. They might choose a home-based option, such as a childminder or nanny, a maintained nursery - if there is one in the local area - or a private, voluntary and independent (PVI) sector provider. In PVI, there are literally thousands of voluntary-run playgroups and pre-schools, often operating out of a village hall or church. These settings are usually constituted as charities, and many were first formed 40 or 50 years ago.
PROVIDING DIVERSITY
It was at an emergency meeting for parents that I got co-opted on to the management committee of my local pre-school, the Stanton Drew and Pensford Pre-School near Bristol. The message was, 'If you won't do it, we'll have to close'.
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