About PATA

What is PATA?

PATA is the largest voluntary sector provider of support to early years childcare and education in Gloucestershire.

Our services are available nationally. PATA membership benefits are available to settings and individuals outside the county boundaries.

We support around 15,000 children and their families in over 400 settings through eight areas in Gloucestershire: Cheltenham, Cirencester, Cotswold, Dursley, Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Stroud, and Tewkesbury. We also have active members outside the county.

PATA member settings include baby and toddler groups, pre-schools and playgroups, out-of-school clubs, holiday playschemes, day nurseries, creches, early years centres and children's centres.

We are proud of our strong partnerships with the voluntary and private sectors, local authorities and other local and national organisations. We actively support and deliver aspects of the Government’s national ‘Every Child Matters – Change for Children’ agenda for children from birth to 16 years old.

PATA (UK) is a charitable company run by and for its members. The Board of Trustees is formed from people from all parts of Gloucestershire.

Membership benefits

PATA offers:

Advice, information and support from a professional, specialist team
Training for parents, carers, committee members, volunteers and staff
Advice on constitutional and charity issues
Regular newsletters
PATA Payroll service (for groups/settings)
Groups in Need Fund (for groups/settings)
Active involvement in an association working to enhance the lives of children and their families, with a vote at PATA Annual General Meetings