Childcare can be a rewarding yet demanding career, however more and more professionals are getting out. Here are the 5 top reasons practitioners leave childcare. Paperwork The strain of never ending paperwork is beginning to take its toll on Early Years practitioners. The introduction of the revised EYFS intended to minimise the load however … [Read more...] about Top 5 reasons practitioners leave childcare
Effective ways to manage a team
5 ways of monitoring staff practice
Helping managers monitor practitioners practice Monitoring staff practice is necessary to ensure the children are receiving the highest standard of learning and practitioners are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities. Finding time to monitor practitioners practice can be difficult and often this task gets forgotten. There are a range of … [Read more...] about 5 ways of monitoring staff practice
Creating a system for peer observations
Why developing a system for peer observations is important For peer observations to be effective, it is important to involve team members in developing a system for peer observations. Involving the team in the process will help them understand how and why these are to be conducted. When discussing with the team about peer observations, … [Read more...] about Creating a system for peer observations
Why carry out peer observations?
The benefits of conducting peer observations Peer observations have been around for many years. However, some practitioners are a little unsure of what these are and why they should be carried out. It is important to help practitioners fully understand why these are completed and help them feel confident in carrying them out. Some people think … [Read more...] about Why carry out peer observations?
What are the benefits of regular staff meetings?
Staff meetings can be unwelcomed by practitioners, especially after working long days; however regular meetings have such a positive impact on practice. Most early years settings hold staff meetings once a month, usually for around one hour; however this varies from setting to setting. This provides time for reflection and training, … [Read more...] about What are the benefits of regular staff meetings?
Using appraisals more effectively
Understanding the importance of staff appraisals Having a clear focus on what appraisals are and the purpose of them will help managers to manage this process effectively. Appraisals play a huge part in individuals training and development. They are often misunderstood and mismanaged. Appraisals are linked closely to staffs … [Read more...] about Using appraisals more effectively
Improve the performance of staff in childcare settings
Top tips for helping improve your childcare teams performance It is important that management monitor and evaluate the team's individual performances on a regular basis, as this will contribute to a successful nursery. What systems do you have in place in your childcare setting to help improve the performance of your team? Why not try these … [Read more...] about Improve the performance of staff in childcare settings
The benefits of using a Training Matrix
Why use a training matrix? Do you have records of your teams training stored in many files around the office? And are you finding it more and more difficult to easily access them? A training matrix is an easy tool that stores all your teams training records in one place and even reminds you of when training is due. Let’s look into this further as … [Read more...] about The benefits of using a Training Matrix
Being an effective early years leader
What is being a leader? Within an early years setting the management structure often starts with a manager, then deputy manager, then senior leader, practitioners, apprentices and students. This varies slightly from setting to setting but that involves the main elements. Each person has a key role to play and the leaders role is particularly … [Read more...] about Being an effective early years leader
Dealing with conflicting practitioners in the early years
How to manage the situation Conflict between practitioners in the early years can be caused for a variety of reasons including ego, personalities and a lack of leadership and management intervention. Not only can conflict between practitioners cause major problems to practitioners such as bullying, harassment, formal grievances and low self esteem … [Read more...] about Dealing with conflicting practitioners in the early years