We are a committee-led Playgroup and always looking for new members. The committee meets approximately once per half term and has an AGM each April. We make decisions about how Playgroup is run, priorities for development, finances and fundraising.

We are very proactive in moving Playgroup forward to meet the changing needs of the families we support.

If you can spare a few hours to help with running events, have good ideas for fundraising or any other skills you think you could bring to our team please consider joining the committee!

There are specific roles that you can take on, for example, Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Fundraising Officer but you do not need to take on one of these roles to be a committee member. All committee members contribute to the running of Playgroup and everyone’s input and opinion is equally respected and appreciated. Joining the committee can be a great way to meet new people, gain an insight into how Playgroup operates and contribute to the development of Playgroup.

Please contact the committee by email admin@beltonplaygroup.co.uk for further information.

You can see our current committee members below.

Emma Wood – Chair of Committee

I joined the committee in September 2018 when my daughter was attending Playgroup. I became Chair in April 2019 when both my daughter and son were attending Playgroup. Both my children loved their time at Playgroup and were so happy and settled there.

I joined the committee to help ensure that this fantastic setting could continue to run as without a committee there can be no Playgroup. I really enjoy being part of such a dedicated and hardworking team of people, both staff members and committee members. We all share the same aim of wanting Playgroup to be the best that it can be and we all bring different skills and ideas to the team. We are a very friendly and inclusive group and welcome all new members. Pre-Covid times our staff meetings were usually conducted with tea and biscuits and finished with general chatting for those that wanted! We also tried to arrange social occasions as well.

In my role as Committee Chair I am responsible for chairing the meetings and supporting Sam (Playgroup Manager) with decision making as required. Big decisions are put to a committee vote. I am the nominated person to communicate with Ofsted and the Charity Commission as required. I also assist Sam with any business support that I can, for example, website management, accounts and invoicing.

I am a self-employed Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor and try to apply my business skills to Playgroup. I also understand the benefit of good physical and mental health and these principles align with Playgroup’s values, both in caring for the children and supporting staff members.

My favourite things to do include being together with my family, seeing friends, being outside, walking the dog and going on beach holidays!

Nicola Thorpe – Secretary

Emma Smith – Treasurer

Bethany Pass – Fundraising Officer

Hello! I’m Bethany and I’m the fundraising officer on the committee for Belton Playgroup. I am responsible for organising the activities and events we run to raise much needed funds to support the Playgroup.

I have worked as an events coordinator for 3 years and more recently started a role as a software designer & developer.

In my free time I love to walk and travel but I am equally happy to curl up on the sofa in front of a good film!

Laura Brownlie – Trustee

Ellen Cousins – Trustee

Hi, my name is Ellen Cousins and I’m on the Belton Playgroup committee.

I am a Chartered Physiotherapist with 13 years experience specialising in special educational needs and learning disabilities.

In the past I have also ran a disabled swimming hydrotherapy group in nearby Shepshed, as well as a Dyspraxia group for early years and primary-age children, a rebound therapy group, and a movement co-ordination group for children.

I was born and raised in Belton and my eldest son attended the group before starting school; I even attended the group back in its very early years! I also have family that used to run the group either as staff or on the committee.

I have an invested interest in the group doing well and know that the staff do their absolute best for the children they support; it’s a wonderful environment for them to grow, learn and thrive.