Could you be our next CEO?

April 2024

We are sad to be announcing that our CEO, Paula Hayball, will be stepping down from the role at the end of the summer term. We want to thank Paula for all that she has done for PATA over the last 9 years and we wish her well as she moves closer to her family.

This news means that we are now looking to recruit a new CEO.  You can find the job advert here - please share it with anyone you think might be interested.  

A new PATA logo!

April 2024

We've become increasingly conscious that when we're talking to decision makers we are making the point that the sector (including Out of School/Play providers) are not 'just' childcare.  We offer so much more, and the word childcare is often used to demean and devalue the exceptional work that the wider sector does. With this in mind, and in consultation with our Trustees and staff we have developed a new logo which you can see above.  For the historians, you can see the evolution of the logo below!

We are now stating that we are proudly 'supporting children's early education and play'.  We felt that these words incorporate all aspects of Early Years as well as the Out of School and Play sectors.  We hope that you agree!

Our eagerly awaited Fees & Wages Survey

March 2024

Many thanks to all those who contributed to the survey. It's a lot of work to input but means that we can give a Gloucestershire wide picture which we know many settings use as a benchmark.  

Our Fees & Wages survey looks at data for this year along with trends over a number of years. It covers staff pay, qualifications, fees and funding and much more. 

This year more than ever there is uncertainty about funding with the major expansion to the funded hours both in April 2024 and September as the age band drops. When settings completed the survey the funding rates for April had not been published and these will undoubtedly have an impact on the responses.  

Members may view the report in the Members' Area of the website.

Healthy Workplaces Gloucestershire

March 2024

We are really pleased to announce that PATA has achieved accreditation for the Healthy Workplaces Scheme Gloucestershire.

We are one of 28 organisations who have achieved this accreditation. Other organisations include Cheltenham Borough Council, Invista, Gloucester Constabulary, Circus Day Nursery and Preschool, Gloucestershire University and UCAS.

All UK organisations have a duty of care and legal responsibility to support the wellbeing of their employees. The Healthy Workplaces Gloucestershire recognises local employers for the work they do to support their employees’ health and wellbeing. Working towards the awards is a progressive process and two awards are available. PATA has achieved the foundation level and we are now looking into the enhanced award.

Throughout the process of the award, PATA has demonstrated a series of activities and measures that have been put in place within the organisation to support positive health and wellbeing. These include support around mental health, physical health, safety at work, personal and leadership development, communication and flexible working.