Q One of our staff, Gloria, has special needs and requires sensitive support when dealing with certain situations. We have moved her to work with the babies because she finds working with the early years curriculum very challenging, but she spends a lot of her time carrying the little babies.
Last week, as a prank, another staff member put stickers on the babies saying 'Don't lift me up'. This week Gloria is off sick. She says that her eczema has flared up really badly. What should I do?
AGloria's absence gives you the opportunity to meet with the staff in the baby unit to ensure that everyone is aware of the real difficulties a member of staff with special needs experiences. Discuss ways in which the staff can help Gloria to do her job more effectively, for example placing items on lower shelves if she has problems reaching, speaking clearly and slowly if she has problems with her hearing, and so on. Also point out ways they can help her feel she is part of the team. Is there someone who could 'buddy up' with Gloria, giving her a regular one-to-one with a colleague?
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