Question
Q – “Can I ask if settings allow apprentice 17 yrs old to be counted in staff numbers on her second day?”
Answers
A – “Haven’t come across this yet but I would say no,not as an apprentice and the fact you don’t know her competency yet.surely she would need to have a buddy and a trial period”
A – “I really do think only people with early yrs qualifications could b counted in rota so no i dont think they should people with out qualification arent experience and have no knowledge”
A – “No we assess over 4 weeks out of ratio and meet once a week giving clear feedback and expectations, if competent only used for a few children and usually in the older rooms like preschool for 2/3 children then build up if in babies will be heavily supported by the nursery deputy so is given clear guidance”
A – “After 2 days you would not have gained enough of an insight into their competency. We count our apprentice in ratio but she had been with us for a year on a student placement, so we knew she was more than capable”
A – “I am sure you can only use a 17 year old in the ratios once you feel they are competent and trustworthy! So no to 2nd day, I wouldn’t do it until the end of their probationary period at the earliest!”
A – “No. Our apprentice has been supernumerary for her first term, and will be counted in numbers for 50% of her time from January as I’m happy with her practice”
A – “Apprentices can only be counted in ratio if they are competent, can you really make a judgement on someone’s competency within two days?”
A – “We were told you could use 17 year old students and 17 year old apprentices in your numbers, as assistants not qualified obviously.”
A – “Yes because they are payed employees”
A – “Not if it can be helped in the first instance, I would be allowing them chance to settle and learn the role as an extra member of staff and then after regular supervisions, that show competence, I would use them if needed. That being said however, in my experience, often young apprentices can be far more competent and trustworthy than other older and supposedly more experienced and qualified staff members!!”