The Pre-school Playgroups Association in the UK tapped powerful reserves of learning potential in children but also in adults, families and whole communities. It generated an explosion of lateral thinking and innovative social development that reverberates to this day. And then it broke up.This book, written by people who were part of the organization, looks at the nature of its success but also turns an analytical eye on the reasons for its premature end.At a time when governments are looking to encourage volunteering, there are lessons here that need to be learned—not just about early years work but about the needs and development of social organizations such as PPA. The writers offer warnings as well as praise for voluntary organizations and for the bodies—including governments—that aim to support them. This makes the book of interest not just to those concerned with children’s early lives and education, including parents, but also to readers concerned with the involvement of adults in their own learning and to all those committed to development of a democratic society and a positive balance of power and responsibility within its organizations.