Nursery World - Analysis: Pre-School Learning Alliance

It's been a long journey from a network of small local playgroups to a united national body that is a leading provider of childcare and training. Katy Morton talks to the latest chief executive.

The Pre-School Learning Alliance, one of the largest providers of quality childcare in England, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Founded in 1961 by single mother Belle Tutaev, who was looking for playmates for her three-year-old daughter, the movement has transformed itself from a small group of isolated mothers and their children, meeting for two hours a day, into a charitable organisation that has helped shape nursery education in the UK. Today it supports some 800,000 children and their families.

The main aim of the movement, originally known as the Pre-school Playgroup Association, was to offer support to those running their own groups and lobby the Government on the importance of pre-school provision. These aspects still remain at the forefront of the Alliance (News, 6 October 2010), as does the key role that volunteers play in the life of settings, whether running management committees, helping on rotas or fundraising.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included