Students, Volunteers and Temporary Staff Policy
The nursery welcomes the chance to encourage training. We accept student placements and recognise this as an opportunity to examine and revise our own practice. We have forged close bonds with local colleges and agencies that send students to us to work at the nursery on placement, helping with their training and work experience. The deputy manager is responsible for student liaison and helping the nursery and student to get the best use of each other.
AIM:
It is vital that unregistered staff are thoroughly supervised, are made to feel part of the team and participate fully in every other aspect of the nursery day.
PROCEDURES:
- The person in charge is responsible for ensuring all staff are registered to work on the premises. OFSTED forms are issued and checks are carried out, however staff can work in the nursery before these checks are completed as long as they are supervised by registered staff at all times.
- We will accept one student at a time and normally only one each term. More than this places undue pressure on the staff. We do, however, accept small groups or occasional placements when research or studies are being carried out that will be of benefit to childcare.
- All staff will be informed of students or volunteers awaiting registration clearance.
- All students and volunteers are given a full induction and new starter pack one week after starting. Before this time, they are always shadowed by a member of staff.
- Students are attached to a senior member of staff who supervises their work and explains the safety and fire requirements.
- All students on placement must adhere to the same codes of conduct as permanent staff and this also applies to time-keeping and dress codes.
- Part time students are not counted in staff to child ratios.
- All students are encouraged to contribute fully to the nursery routine and to spend some time in each area.
Unregistered staff must never:
- Be left unsupervised whilst caring for children.
- Take children for toilet visits unless supervised by registered staff.
- Change nappies whilst unsupervised.
- Be left unsupervised during outdoor play.
- Be left alone in a room for children.
- Administer medication.
- Administer first aid.
