Selection and recruitment of staff

Statement of Intent

We provide a high staffing ratio to ensure that children have sufficient individual attention and to guarantee care and education of a high quality. Our staff are appropriately qualified and have enhanced disclosures through the Criminal Records Bureau in accordance with Ofsted’s requirements, have at least two references and a health disclosure.

Aims

To ensure that children and their parents are offered high quality Centre care and education, through the appointment of high quality and appropriate staff.

Methods

• To meet this aim we use the following ratios of adult to child:

- Children under two years of age 1 adult: 3 children

- children aged two years of age 1 adult: 4 children

- children aged three-five years of age 1 adult: 8 children

• A minimum of two staff/ adults are on duty at any one time.
• We use a key worker system to ensure that each child and each family has a particular member of staff for discussion and consultation.
• We hold regular staff meetings which provide an opportunity to discuss children’s individual needs and achievements.
• To hold weekly planning meetings to undertake curriculum planning.
• We work towards offering equality of opportunity by using non-discriminatory procedures for staff recruitment and selection.
• All staff have job descriptions and terms and conditions.
• We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Applicants will be considered on the basis of their suitability for the post, regardless of marital status, age, gender, culture, religious belief, ethnic origin or sexual orientation. Applicants will not be placed at a disadvantage by us imposing conditions or requirements which are not justifiable.
• At least 50% of the staff hold level 3 qualifications or above.
• We provide regular in-service training to all staff – whether paid staff of volunteers.
• Our centre budget allocates resources to training.
• We provide staff induction training on the first day of their employment. This induction includes our Health and Safety Policy and Procedures, Child Protection Policy and Procedures and fire drill. Other policies and procedures will be introduced within an induction plan.
• All staff receives a staff handbook.
• We support the work of our staff by holding regular supervision meetings and appraisals.
• We are committed to recruiting, appointing and employing staff in accordance with all relevant legislation and best practice.
• In the event of an incident or unsatisfactory work we will follow the company disciplinary procedure.

Recruitment process

• We write a job description, personal specification and job advert for every position we advertise. These are all checked by Watcombe Children’s Centre Nursery Company Directors.
• Each member of staff has to complete an application form and send it to the Nursery.
• We short list staff for interview by giving them a point for every essential criteria they meet. In the event of several staff having similar scores we then score against the desirable criteria.
• Where possible we request 2 references prior to interview, if not possible staff are not allowed to start until we have the references.
• We have a rigorous interview process. Staff have to carry out an activity or task and then go through a formal interview. Each interviewee is scored out of ten for each question, and scores 1 point for each predetermined correct response.
• We then appoint the candidate with the highest scores.
• Each new employee has to complete an enhanced disclosure. Until this comes through, a member of staff is not left alone with the children and their employment will be terminated if unsuccessful.
• Each employee completes a health form and again their employment is terminated if this comes back unsatisfactory.
• At annual reviews we check a staff member’s suitability for working with children, if we have any doubt we would reapply for an enhanced disclosure.

Staff Conduct

Uniform

All members of staff are expected to wear smart black trousers. These can be ¾ length, tailored shorts or skirts - on or below the knee (no denim). Staff will be given two polo shirts showing the Children’s Centre Nursery logo. A jacket can also be ordered. Shoes must be black and flat with covered toes and backs. No trainers!

Hair

Long hair must be tied back.

Jewellery

Only sensible jewellery is to be worn within the nursery. Watches can be worn. No visible body piercing except studs in ears.

Finger nails

Nails should be a suitable length that does not affect your day to day work. Nail polish must not be work due to hygiene reasons.

Mobile phones

All mobile phones must be turned off or on silent and kept in lockers during working hours; the office is manned to receive emergency calls.

General conduct

Staff must follow the routines of the rooms and the instructions of the their line manager/ supervisor at all times. They are expected to take part in the tidying and cleaning of the nursery.

Language

Staff must ensure they use appropriate language at all times, and must not refer to the children in a derogatory way. Any incident of swearing is a gross misconduct and will result in a disciplinary hearing.

Confidentiality

All staff must keep information given to them at meetings i.e. Staff meetings, appraisals .Parent meetings and any child protection issues confidential. If they are unsure of something they must check with the nursery manager.

© 2010