Types of SPPA Membership

SPPA member groups include playgroups, toddler groups, under fives groups, all day care groups, out of school care groups, nurseries and family centres. Within SPPA’s structure, there are two distinct ways of supporting SPPA:

• Become a MEMBER or

• Become an ASSOCIATE.

The vast majority of our groups are MEMBERS and SPPA grants membership to pre-school groups that can demonstrate their willingness to operate to agreed standards as follows:

• the group is registered with the Care Commission for the services it provides - where applicable (this does not apply to toddler groups or groups where there is no legal requirement to register with the Care Commission)

• the group operates within the appropriate SPPA Code of Practice.

Family centres and all day care groups with out of school care which are registered, and have less than 50% of their membership within the pre-school years, can apply to become GROUP ASSOCIATES. Out of school care Groups and playschemes that support the aims of the SPPA are also eligible.

As Associates, groups receive the practical benefits of being part of SPPA. Family centres and all day care groups with out of school care whose pre-school age membership increases to more than 50% are entitled to apply for membership.

Individuals who have an interest in the work of SPPA and parents, once their children have completed their pre-school education, may want to be involved. This can easily be done by becoming an INDIVIDUAL ASSOCIATE. In return for an annual fee an individual associate will receive regular information on the work of the Association, a quarterly copy of First Five, and be able to buy publications at the reduced member price.

Local authorities, central government agencies, local enterprise companies, and voluntary sector organisations with which SPPA has contact in the course of its activities, can become AGENCY ASSOCIATES. Associateship entitles organisations to a quarterly copy of First Five, access to publications and our annual conference at reduced prices, and regular information on the work of the Association.