An interview with Director
Sarah Stephenson-Rix

How did Pitter Patter Play come about?

I was heavily involved in running a Cylch Meithrin so had gained a sound understanding of the complexities of the regulatory and statutory frameworks and the requirements for registration with CIW. I was simultaneously working full time in a HR role and juggling family life with two young children.

Since our eldest started school and our youngest was still at nursery the marrying together of childcare, transport, working hours and all the other complexities of family life had become pretty overwhelming. Once we added in the 13 weeks school holidays it was like spinning plates.

During term time life felt like a rush, a daily panic to get everyone to the right place and then start it all again to get them home. Then back to home working and kids watching tv until we could finish and make their tea. It just wasn’t a happy situation for any of us.

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How did you assess the need for these services?

As our eldest approached school age, it became apparent through talks with other parents that not all schools were created equally and that it was pot luck whether the school your child was starting had daily after school provision.

In fact, only 40% of schools in the Newport area have got any kind of after school provision with some schools sharing one external provider that is already full to capacity.

The valuable after school services being provided by some nurseries in the area have diminished as they allocated their space and resources to providing care to the under 4’s. Childminders are also full to capacity with waiting lists.

What drives you?

I have a varied career history and have worked within the childcare sector, the careers sector and now in Human Resources. The common theme is wanting to help people, so when I heard day in and day out the first-hand experiences of parents like me juggling their work life balance so precariously I knew that there was a real need for this provision.

I’m passionate about enabling families to have reliable, safe childcare and for schools to realise their potential for their buildings and grounds to become a community asset generating much needed additional funds.

What support have you had?

I sought business advice from the umbrella organisation – Clybiau Plant on qualifications and requirements and went from there. I’ve completed several courses now in Playwork and additionally completed other regulatory qualifications. Clybiau Plant courses are hugely beneficially in underpinning the basics of playwork through the playwork principles.

Early years Wales are also helping with other areas of the business, especially their Welsh language support and all staff in our settings will be completing the Camau course to embed the language in our day to day practice.

The business was very fortunate to be chosen for an intensive business start up course with ICE and we continue to stay involved with them for business support.