I checked myself in the mirror before I left. Who was that stranger staring back?
I saw a scary-looking woman in her forties, dressed for a funeral or conference: sleek hair, make-up and black heeled pumps with a briefcase by her side. I smiled back at my reflection. Tomorrow, the armour would disappear and I would revert back to the frumpy, mumsy, smiley woman I usually was. But today, I needed battle-wear and had to kill off the butterflies fluttering inside me.
It was my first day in a new job as an Employment Trainee Supervisor, running an after-school/summer playscheme. It was already mid-June so I had only two weeks to pull things together. Most of the trainees were in their twenties or thirties and had never worked. I knew, from previous posts I had held, that most of them had come from challenging backgrounds. The powers-that-be would send trainees that they couldn't place elsewhere. I'd danced this dance before and knew what to do. It was simple, I just treated them like older children. If I say so myself, I was quite successful.
The previous supervisor had warned me that two women on the committee had been wreaking havoc and I that I would need to neutralise them on day one if I was to get anywhere.
Today, I arrived early and, knocking on the door, entering confidently, I smiled, noting two scowling women seated behind a prominently placed desk, sipping tea.
Let the games begin! I walked over, grabbing a nearby chair and sat after thrusting out my hand.
'How nice to meet you ladies at last.'
'Well, you could have visited before.'
'Actually, I couldn't as I was working elsewhere until Friday, but it was very nice of you both to come in and welcome me on my first day.'
'Aye, well we just wanted to explain how we want the place to run.'
'This isn't my first rodeo, you know.' I beamed at them, 'Are your children service users?'
'No, but we are overseeing the after-school. We're on the committee, so we will be reporting back to them.'
'As will I, ladies. I see it as one of my duties to keep the committee up to speed.'
'The last two supervisors were crap.' May knew the minute she had spoken, she had erred.
'Define crap?' She ignored my question.
'We need to be sure you are running the project the way we want it to run.' June piped up.
'Do you both have childcare or play qualifications?'
'No, but we are both mothers.'
'Ah! I have a bit of a problem with that then. You see I trained for this job and I have to take the needs of a variety of trainees and children into account. It's all about the project with me, but you'll see progress and I won't let you down. Every child and trainee will have my full attention from here on in.'
I looked at my watch and stood up. They were obviously intent on saying more so I added on my way, on my way to the door,
'The trainees will be here shortly and I've got a lot to do before then. Thank you for coming in, ladies. I'm sure you'll understand I will need some time to 'orientate' myself and bond with the trainees and children.'
Their parting shot? 'We'll be coming in, just to check.'
'And you'll always be welcome if you make an appointment, but I'm sure you must be anxious to get your lives back. It can't have been easy to give up so much of your time. It's a big commitment you made, but I'm here now, so you ladies can get your lives back, just in time for the holidays.'
They left, faces sullen.
Half an hour later, the trainees came in. I had them sit round the table for introductions and tea. They looked fearful when they noticed the changes I had made. I tried to draw them out but they kept glancing at the blank wall.
'Where's the summer timetable?' one asked.
'I binned it.'
'Where's the desk and telly?'
'Next door.'
I could see their anxiety levels rise.
'Nothing for you to be concerned about. I didn't think the kids would have enjoyed their holidays if they were out every day for six weeks. I'm more into play and relaxation.'
'Dae the Mammys know yi binned thur timetable?'
'Not your problem. I'm here to provide you with employment training and to care for children whose parents work. From now on, you'll only take orders from me.' I gave each of them a steely gaze, hopefully the last one I would need.
'They'll go ballistic when they see that wall.'
I laughed, 'Again, not your problem. Let's move on.' I pointed at each of them in turn.
'Jane and Abdul, take this list, go to the shops and get exactly these items. Don't forget the receipts.'
'David, bleach and wash the cups, cutlery and teapot.'
'Yvette, write out a 'Quiet Room' sign.'
'Jenny and Ellen, empty the cupboard out and bin jigsaws, games equipment with broken or missing pieces, be ruthless.'
'There will be nothing left to play with.'
'Again, not your problem.'
I had my work cut out over the next two months and many obstacles to overcome, but I can truthfully say the children and trainees came to trust me and I got the absolute best out of them by employing high standards of care. Well that and a new toaster, popcorn maker and a lot of visits to the local swimming pool and parks.
The two 'Mammys'? They were a constant thorn in my side and, after I had emptied the floor to ceiling, locked cupboard of cheap and nasty sweets, open warfare broke out. I did feel a little sorry for the two despots but the children and trainees had to come first – always.